Topic: Afghanistan

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Can Pakistan drive the Taliban out of its tribal belt?

With the 2014 withdrawal of NATO troops in neighboring Afghanistan looming, Pakistan is turning its attention to the impoverished tribal areas where regional terror groups have long sought haven.
Iran's Khamenei condemns Boston Marathon attacks, but takes jab at US policies

Iran's supreme leader was emphatic in his condemnation of the Boston Marathon attacks, but criticized the US for decrying attacks on its own civilians while carrying out drone strikes elsewhere.
John Kerry to Congress: Middle East peace effort is urgent

In his first congressional hearing as secretary of State, John Kerry tells lawmakers that, after the Benghazi attacks, the US must fortify security for diplomats, press for a two-state solution in the Middle East.
Pakistan elections: Who's running?

This election will mark the first transfer of power from one government to another without any military interference. Here is a look at the main candidates for prime minister.
Afghanistan war can yet be won, US general tells Congress

The commander of US forces in Afghanistan outlined three achievements that would secure a 'win' after 11 years of combat – acknowledging none is yet in hand. He gave Congress a report Tuesday on the war's progress.
Boston Marathon bombs made with pressure cookers: Big break in case?

Reports suggest that the devices in the Boston Marathon bombings were put in pressure cookers. That suggests the bombs were unsophisticated, but experts warn against rushing to judgment.
In Boston Marathon bombings, spectators' pictures could hold crucial clues

Investigators into the Boston Marathon bombings note that hundreds of spectators were taking pictures and videos at the time, and surveillance and network cameras were rolling, too. They hope one of those images could help crack the case.
Terrorism & Security Global defense spending dips for first time in 15 years

Defense budget cuts in the US and Europe were more than enough to offset an increase in spending by rising powers like Russia and China.
Global News Blog Deadly Taliban attack targets elite unit in Afghanistan

The 13 soldiers killed were members of Afghanistan's Third Battalion, one of only a small number of Afghan Army units rated as fully self-sufficient by the US military.
Who handled Major League Baseball’s ceremonial first-pitch honors in 2013?

One of the most anticipated moments of any baseball season occurs when ceremonial first pitches are thrown at each of 30 major-league ballparks. Often the identity of the persons or persons doing the honors is kept a secret until the last minute. Here’s the lineup of the 2013 VIPs:
Story changes? Diplomat now said to be on foot when killed in Afghanistan (+video)

A witness contradicts the story told to relatives of the young diplomat Anne Smedinghoff that her group was traveling in an armored vehicle.
Real help from a virtual world

Video games educate players on global issues and raise funds for organizations in need.
USA Update Bradley Manning trial may include Navy SEAL from Osama bin Laden raid

Prosecutors charge Pfc. Bradley Manning with 'aiding the enemy' in leaking classified documents to WikiLeaks. They want to call as a witness a Navy SEAL involved in the Osama bin Laden raid.
Budget cuts will ground fighter jets, Pentagon announces

A third of the U.S. Air Force's active-duty force of combat planes — including fighters and bombers — will be grounded due to federal budget cuts, a top general said Tuesday.
Focus In Mali, a war ends but instability lingers

The French drove out Islamist rebels in northern Mali. But can France and its African allies translate those victories into regional stability and peace?
Global Viewpoint Gordon Brown: Girls' empowerment movement is a global game-changer

Girls, not adults, are forming a liberation movement – demanding their rights, especially to education. They've organized child-marriage-free zones, demonstrations to support Malala Yousafzai, petitions against child labor, and a growing movement exposing child trafficking.
Blustery terrorism in North Korea

A Christian Science perspective.
Global News Blog Mr. Kerry, how do you ask a woman to be the last to die in Afghanistan? (+video)

A familiar question for the US secretary of State following the death of US diplomat Anne Smedinghoff.
Dempsey: Pentagon prepared for potential North Korean action

Though he doesn't foresee North Korea taking serious military action, Gen. Martin Dempsey, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the Pentagon has bolstered its missile defenses to be prepared.
Kerry mourns young US diplomat killed in Afghanistan

The US Secretary of State met Anne Smedinghoff weeks before her death.
Stay or go? Embassies in North Korea weigh warning.

North Korea is warning that it can no longer guarantee diplomats' safety in Pyongyang as international tensions mount.
FBI at Petraeus home: Why FBI is grilling the ex-CIA chief

FBI at Petraeus home: FBI agents visited David Petraeus at his Virginia home as part of an investigation into Paula Broadwell's handling of classified information, according to USA Today.
6 Americans and Afghan doctor killed in attacks

In two attacks in southern and eastern Afghanistan three US service members, three US civilians, and an Afghan doctor were killed Saturday, the same day the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff arrives in Afghanistan.
Mastermind

Maria Konnikova examines the neurological and psychological underpinnings of the great mind of Sherlock Holmes.
Difference Maker Bryan Hoddle helps wounded vets run – and dream – again

He's more than a track coach: He's a counselor and a friend, listening to a life story.