Topic: Thomas Ruttig

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How will the Kabul raid affect a peace deal? [VIDEO]

Neither Afghan nor American observers expect the Kabul attack on the InterContinental Hotel to shut down the peace process.
Kabul raid shows Taliban's strength, tests Afghan security coordination

While last night's deadly suicide raid on Kabul's InterContinental Hotel showcased Taliban capabilities, early details also indicate some success in the new model of having Afghan forces take more of a lead on security.
Ambassador Eikenberry's pushback against Karzai: Will it make a difference?

US Ambassador Karl Eikenberry responded sharply to criticism of the US by Afghan President Karzai. His unusually tart remarks come amid growing pressure in the US to bring troops home.
US image problem grows as Afghanistan casualties mount

While insurgent-caused casualties are up, US-caused civilian casualties are down. Still, it only takes a couple of high profile incidents to negatively turn public opinion.
Why it's so hard for NATO to train Afghan forces

Corruption, drug addiction, and too many Afghan deserters, make handing over power a daunting task, say NATO officials and Western diplomats.
Afghanistan opium crop blight sends drug prices soaring

The Afghanistan opium harvest dropped 48 percent this year, the United Nations announced. But analysts say the resulting higher prices could draw more farmers into the business.
Afghanistan election day: spotty turnout, fake voter cards, and some feisty voters

Afghanistan's election Saturday yielded reports of intimidation in unstable regions. In Kabul, some voters aimed to oust incumbents, while others appeared to want to cast ballots more than once.
General Petraeus takes command of the Afghanistan war

General Petraeus arrived in Kabul today to take over the Afghanistan war effort. Afghans say he faces a limited window to rein in corruption, make the Karzai government more accountable, and create momentum toward peace.
US withholds $4 billion in Afghanistan war aid. Can Gen. Petraeus cope?

Gen. David Petraeus's strategy in the Afghanistan war relies on money for reconstruction and development. But Congress says it will withhold $4 billion in Afghan aid unless rampant corruption is stopped.
Afghans on troop surge debate: It's the corruption, stupid.

Afghan leaders say any effort that doesn't address election fraud and corrupt officials will fail.
Eight years after 9/11, Taliban roils 80 percent of Afghanistan

The hijacking of a NATO supply truck and Stephen Farrell’s kidnapping have focused attention on rising insecurity in Afghanistan’s north, strikingly illustrated on a new map.
Eight years after 9/11, Taliban roils 80 percent of Afghanistan

The hijacking of a NATO supply truck and Stephen Farrell’s kidnapping havefocused attention on rising insecurity in Afghanistan’s north, strikingly illustrated on a new map.
Global News Blog
Karzai leads Afghan vote, but election watchdog finds fraud

The Independent Election Commission said preliminary results gave Karzai 54.1 percent of the vote. But a UN-backed vote monitor ordered a partial recount, citing evidence of fraud.
Afghan elections: What's at stake?

Voting today will test the legitimacy of the government and the credibility of the international counterinsurgency strategy.