Topic: The Taliban

World

Afghan lawmakers push cultural bans of Taliban era

A draft proposal put forth last week would ban loud music, women and men mingling in public, billiards, and more.

U.S. military prepares to train Pakistani forces

US officials have requested $750 million to expand a program designed to assist foreign militaries engaged in counterterrorism.

Marine quick reaction force starts to settle into southern Afghanistan

The focus of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is largely security, but will include humanitarian work.

Counterterror debate turns to troop levels in Afghanistan, Iraq

Democrats say an overemphasis on the war in Iraq has come at the expense of Afghanistan and has allowed Al Qaeda to regroup in that region.

Afghan opposition courts Taliban

Talks began in 2007, a powerful coalition revealed last week. Experts say the move, an effort to undercut the government, could draw Taliban into the political process.

World

USA

Opinion: Don't 'pull an Iraq' in Afghanistan

Massive state-building efforts are not a good use of tax dollars.

Afghanistan to ask NATO for bigger army of its own

At the NATO meeting in Romania Thursday, Afghan officials are expected to request money to expand its National Army from 86,000 to 120,000 troops.

World

Pakistan's prime minister broaches Taliban peace

Newly elected Yousaf Raza Gillani's announcement may cause rift with US.

Letters to the Editor

Readers write about unarmed civilian peacekeepers, liberalism, and kindness to physicists.

'Fitna': Dutch leader's anti-Islam film brings strife

Far-right politician Geert Wilders's latest attempt to air the controversial video has been delayed by US-based website host Network Solutions.

Afghanistan aid delivery shortfall a security risk

An international agency's report says 40 percent of aid destined for Afghans is spent on overhead costs.

DoOneNiceThing.com inspires do-gooders to keep it up

The website grew out of Debbie Tenzer's pledge to make a small gesture of kindness every Monday.

Musharraf is quickly losing his grip on Pakistan

Parliament is expected to confirm a new prime minister on Monday, further isolating Musharraf.

Afghan doctors protest new security threat: gangs

Residents of the western city of Herat say 'Enough' to the rise of criminal activity.

World

'Idol' airs Afghans' talents – and social divisions

Female contestant Lima Sahar caused a nationwide debate about women's roles before being voted off last week.

In Moscow, Rice signals warmer US-Russia ties

High-level talks on contentious issues such as missile defense had a markedly different tone from past rhetoric.

Pakistan's new leaders face tough issues

Will parliament oust President Musharraf and negotiate with the Taliban? Legislators convened Monday for the first time.

Pakistan restaurant attack targets Westerners

The Islamabad attack injured four FBI agents and could signal a shift in tactics.

World

World