16 November 2009
'', AFP, 16 November 2009
EXCERPT: "The Afghan government said Monday it had formed a major crime unit to tackle corruption, following escalating Western pressure on President Hamid Karzai to fight graft. 'A giant step is being taken today in announcing the opening of the major crime task force,' Interior Minister Mohammad Hanif Atmar told a news conference with the British...
As New Facility Opens, Prisoner Rights Still Lacking
16 November 2009
'As New Facility Opens, Prisoner Rights Still Lacking', Human Rights Watch, 14 November 2009
EXCERPT: "The Obama administration should revise its detention policies in Afghanistan to make them consistent with international law, Amnesty International, Human Rights First, and Human Rights Watch said today. The United States military is hosting the media and some nongovernmental organizations today at its recently constructed but...
Read the post »
High Costs Weigh on Troop Debate for Afghan War
16 November 2009
', The New York Times, 14 November 2009
EXCERPT: "While President Obama's decision about sending more troops to Afghanistan is primarily a military one, it also has substantial budget implications that are adding pressure to limit the commitment, senior administration officials say. The latest internal government estimates place the cost of adding 40,000 American troops and sharply...
Read the post »
UK Pressing Karzai to Negotiate with Taliban
16 November 2009
'UK Pressing Karzai to Negotiate with Taliban Says Leaked Memo', The Guardian, 13 November 2009
EXCERPT: "British officials are increasing pressure on the Afghan government to talk to Taliban leaders as part of a major attempt at reconciliation, it emerged today. The move is strongly backed by the Foreign Office ? notably Sherard Cowper-Coles, the government's special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan ? by MI6,...
Read the post »