Topic: Afghanistan

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Six tornado survivor stories

With a deadly tornado staring them in the face, many citizens of Moore, Okla., were faced with the biggest decisions of their lives. Here's how six people made those choices, and survived.
3 priorities for Pakistan's new government

After 14 years, Nawaz Sharif is back at the helm in Pakistan. The nuclear-armed country faces a welter of problems, from terrorism to tensions with Afghanistan, India, and the United States. To move Pakistan forward, Mr. Sharif must focus on three priorities.
5 memoirs to add to your 2013 reading list

A new crop of memoirs takes readers to the worlds authors once knew.
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.
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:

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Persian New Year to bring U.S.-Iran thaw?

In the past week, mixed progress as a US journalist is charged with spying amidst positive statements from both countries.
The Monitor's View: On Cuba, Obama must first think of Latin America – and democracy

The region's democracies need to be defended, as does US nurturing of liberty
Pakistani Taliban move closer to Islamabad

The militants have extended their reach into a district just 60 miles from Pakistan's capital.
Obama's healthcare reforms: First, vets. Next, the nation.

President Obama announces a plan to keep the health records of active-duty troops and veterans electronically – part of an effort to streamline military care. He wants to do the same thing for the American healthcare system at large, too.
The Monitor's View: Why Obama and Gates need Ike to trim the military

Former president's warning of a 'military-industrial complex' rings true as Congress pushes back on cuts.
Pakistan drone attacks to intensify, Obama officials say

On Tuesday, Pakistani leaders reportedly rebuked visiting US officials over the airstrikes, which have prompted violent responses from militants.
Vice President Biden welcomes troops home -- Full text
Opinion: America: a superpower no more

Decline is occurring more rapidly than we think. It's time to embrace a new agenda.
Legacy of Rwanda's genocide: more assertive international justice

Out of 800,000 deaths emerged a new system of justice and more peacekeepers. But will either prove effective or enduring?
Obama's Europe trip: 'A good opening act'

The president made few concrete gains in his first overseas trip, but helped begin remaking America's image in the world.
Opinion: Upgrade America's spy program

The CIA's National Clandestine Service urgently needs reform.
The Monitor's View: Obama's on-target message to Muslims

OK, the US is not at war with Islam. Now what?
Gates axes some costly weapons, emphasizes 'irregular' warfare

Defense secretary applies lessons of Iraq, Afghanistan to new Pentagon budget.
Pentagon budget kills F-22, pumps up Special Ops

New spending plan represents a shift toward counterinsurgency needs.
Letters to the Editor

Readers write about the connections shared by Palestinians and Israelis, why it was foolish of the US to arm Al Qaeda in the 1980s, an pverlooked antiwar view on the Afghanistan conflict, and how some colleges are keeping the "student" in "student athlete."
The Monitor's View: Obama woos Turkey but will it woo back?

Both countries can gain from improved relations that will help solve the region’s woes.
Obama arrives in Turkey to strengthen ties

The US president's public backing of Turkey's bid to join the European Union irked France and Germany, but will help boost ties with a key Muslim ally.
Obama, the pragmatist, wins NATO kudos but few troops for Afghan mission

The US president got a ringing endorsement of his new Afghanistan strategy – but only 3,000 new, mostly non-combat troops.
Obama lays out steps for a nuclear free world

In Prague speech Sunday, the US president talked about Iran, North Korea, Russia, and how to stop the spread of nuclear weapons.
Obama praises new NATO members Albania and Croatia

The countries' full membership inches the Balkans closer to the borderless idea of Europe and further from the brutal wars of the 1990s.
Antiwar activists split over Obama's Afghanistan policy

Lawmakers and others who were against the Iraq war generally support the president. But they worry about another 'quagmire.'
US-Iran thaw could bolster Afghanistan rebuilding efforts

In The Hague this week, Iranian officials offered to cooperate with the US. Iran has pursued an ambitious redevelopment effort in Afghanistan since 2001.
As NATO leaders meet, how will they deal with Russia?

Some advocate inviting Russia to join. Russian President Medvedev wants a new security architecture that includes his country.
Obama woos Europe on Afghanistan

In Strasbourg, the US president cast the war as an international – not just American – problem.
Spain commits more troops to Afghanistan in overture to Obama

While the increase in soldiers is modest, the government is showing support for Obama's shift of strategy in Afghanistan – and, more broadly, for the administration itself.