Topic: The Taliban

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5 memoirs to add to your 2013 reading list

A new crop of memoirs takes readers to the worlds authors once knew.
Briefing
Chechnya: How a remote Russian republic became linked with terrorism

The main suspects in the Boston Marathon bombing are two brothers from Chechnya, a Russian republic that has been the scene of cyclical revolts and brutal crackdowns for the past 200 years.
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.
5 factors for peace in Afghanistan

Given that Afghanistan has been in a state of war for nearly 35 years, only a broad-based reconciliation can resolve the fighting. Peace talks are a vital part of that process. Here are five factors necessary to achieving a sustainable peace in Afghanistan.
When dictators fall, so do their banknotes

The following now defunct or possibly soon-to-be defunct banknotes are imbued with the symbols and iconography of their leaders, past and present.

All Content

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.
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.
Decoder Wire 'If babies had guns they wouldn't be aborted.' Is Rep. Steve Stockman serious?

Rep. Steve Stockman sees himself as a conservative insurgent and likes to shock. But his new bumper sticker promoting his pro-gun and anti-abortion views might have a specific agenda.
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.
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.
Kerry mourns young US diplomat killed in Afghanistan

The US Secretary of State met Anne Smedinghoff weeks before her death.
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.
Kansas passes anti-abortion bill declaring life begins 'at fertilization'

Kansas state legislators passed a bill Friday declaring life begins at fertilization and blocking tax breaks for abortion providers. While it doesn't ban abortions outright, abortion-rights advocates argue the bill could be used to threaten services.
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.
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.
Pakistani politician injured by roadside bomb

Malik Adnan Wazir, a politician associated with the Awami National Party, was wounded by a roadside bomb Sunday, and two of his supporters were killed. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack.
Global News Blog Good Reads: dogs with PTSD, children in the news, unwed mothers, waking up the Ice Age

This week's round-up of Good Reads includes helping dogs who come home from war zones, the dilemma behind telling Malala Yousafzai's story, why more mothers aren't choosing marriage, and a quest to bring back the wooly mammoth.
Pakistan's education crisis: What ever happened to Malala's friends?

Almost half a year after Malala Yousafzai was attacked on her school bus, the two girls injured alongside her also symbolize Pakistan's uphill battle with girls' education.
Backchannels From every direction, arms for Syria

France is pushing hard, it seems, for Western powers to arm Syria's rebellion. If they get their way, they'll be joining an already crowded playing field.
UN envoy says US drone strikes violate Pakistani sovereignty

Ben Emmerson, the UN special representative on human rights and counter-terrorism, said Pakistan confirmed at least 400 of its citizens have been killed in US drone attacks.
France dials up pressure on US to arm Syrian rebels

France and Britain are pushing the European Union to drop an embargo against arming Syrian rebels. Their push is at odds with with current US policy.
Backchannels With aid to Afghanistan, past performance is a predictor of future returns

A lot of aid to Afghanistan has been squandered. The latest project indicates that the US still doesn't seem to understand the country's basic needs.
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.
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?
Global News Blog Attack highlights how a corner of Afghanistan is falling apart

The ambush and killing of 16 Afghan soldiers last weekend is one of the worst setbacks for the country's military in years.
Energy Voices Will the US block an Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline?

US officials have been fighting to stop a $7.5 billion gas pipeline that would transport natural gas between Iran and Pakistan, Alic writes.