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10 best books of June, according to The Christian Science Monitor

Here are the 10 June books to which the Monitor's book reviewers gave their most enthusiastic thumbs-up.

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Focus Is Afghanistan ready to defend itself?

Evidence is mixed as to the readiness of Afghanistan's Army and National Police to assume the lead in planning and fighting – with the summer combat season likely to be the first big test.
Terrorism & Security After 12 years, NATO passes security responsibility to Afghan forces

The formal transfer of Afghan forces into the lead of the fight in Afghanistan is raising questions about whether they're prepared to fight on their own.
Terrorism & Security Taliban assault on Kabul airport ends with seven militants dead

A small Taliban unit assaulted the Kabul airport just before dawn today. Afghan police and Army units handled the response.
10 best books of June, according to The Christian Science Monitor

Here are the 10 June books to which the Monitor's book reviewers gave their most enthusiastic thumbs-up.
What's an American lawyer doing in Afghanistan?

Kimberley Motley, best known for defending a young girl imprisoned for 'adultery' after being raped and impregnated in 2010, is the first US lawyer to litigate on behalf of Afghans in Afghanistan.
And the Mountains Echoed

Khaled Hosseini's third novel – his most complex so far – traces a powerful emotional arc.
Why Afghanistan is nervous about the US troop withdrawal

By December 2014 the Afghan National Security Forces that have been built by the US and NATO will be left to largely stand on their own.
Terrorism & Security Afghanistan blast targets NATO convoy, kills at least 6 (+video)

Afghan insurgent group Hizb-e-Islami claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it plans further attacks against foreign troops.
5 memoirs to add to your 2013 reading list

A new crop of memoirs takes readers to the worlds authors once knew.
Return of a King

William Dalrymple looks for contemporary lessons in the story of Britain's disastrous 19th-century invasion of Afghanistan.
Terrorism & Security Taliban seize international hostages from helicopter

A helicopter carrying foreign nationals made an emergency landing due to poor weather conditions in Afghanistan, where they were seized by the Taliban.
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.
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.
15 promising nonfiction books for spring 2013

April showers bring May flowers. Here's some fresh non-fiction to check out this spring while you enjoy the new greenery.
12 promising novels for spring 2013

Here are 12 spring 2013 fiction titles that we're looking forward to picking up.
Change Agent New nonprofit joint venture will tell the positive stories of Afghanistan

The Afghan Dreamers project will highlight 'really good people doing really amazing things' that 12 years of war has overshadowed.
Angelina Jolie funds Afghan girls' schools with new jewelry line

Angelina Jolie opens a school for 200-300 girls in Afghanistan, in an area outside Kabul that has a high refugee population. This is the second girls' school Jolie is funding, and she says she plans to fund more with proceeds from her new jewelry line.
Afghan teenager fatally stabs US soldier

Only one U.S. service member was killed in February, but the death toll climbed to at least 14 in March. The recent stabbing reveals the ongoing danger to troops, even as full withdrawal approaches.
Russia going back to Afghanistan? Kremlin confirms it could happen

Nearly 25 years after Soviet troops left Afghanistan in defeat, Russia may return – in order to service the Russian equipment that makes up the backbone of the Afghan military.
CSMonitor editors share their favorite people to follow on Twitter

Twitter turned 7 this week. In celebration of the social network's birthday, The Christian Science Monitor compiled a list of favorite Twitter accounts. Each is informative and useful in its own way. Find out what each section recommends for you.
Backchannels US in Afghanistan: Why throw more good money after bad?

That two more US troops were killed by an Afghan soldier today is a reminder that the Afghanistan 'surge,' which ended last year, accomplished few of its objectives.
Karzai: Explosions show Taliban 'at the service' of America

Afghan President Hamid Karzai accused the Taliban and US forces of working together on Sunday. He said Saturday's suicide bombings, which coincided with Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel's visit, were meant to show violence will worsen if foreign troops leave.
Afghanistan: Two suicide bombers strike on first day of Hagel's visit

About 20 people were killed in two suicide bombings in Afghanistan Saturday. A Taliban spokesman said the attacks were a message for Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, who is in Afghanistan for his first official visit.
In Afghanistan, Hagel faces early test: how many troops to leave behind

With his arduous confirmation finally over, Secretary Hagel arrived in Afghanistan to confront considerable challenges, including the pace of withdrawal and the size of the residual US force.
USAID to put $300 million into women's rights in Afghanistan

Can aid agencies and other foreign actors, even with $300 million, truly influence attitudes in a society that has so long treated women as second-class citizens?