Human Rights Watch World Report: Afghanistan
24 January 2011
[pdf], Human Rights Watch, 24 January 2011
EXCERPT: "While fighting escalated in 2010, peace talks between the government and the Taliban rose to the top of the political agenda. Civilian casualties reached record levels, with increased insurgent activity across the country. An additional 30,000 United States troops increased international forces to more than 150,000. Endemic corruption and violence marred...
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Former CIA Agent Operates Private Spy Ring in Afghanistan
24 January 2011
, The New York Times, 22 January 2011
EXCERPT: "Duane R. Clarridge parted company with the Central Intelligence Agency more than two decades ago, but from poolside at his home near San Diego, he still runs a network of spies. Over the past two years, he has fielded operatives in the mountains of Pakistan and the desert badlands of Afghanistan. Since the United States military cut off his funding...
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Kidnapped Former Pakistani Spy Who Aided US, Supported Taliban Reported Dead
24 January 2011
Kidnapped Former Pakistan Intelligence Agent Dies, CNN, 24 January 2011
EXCERPT: "A kidnapped ex-Pakistani intelligence agent who once worked alongside the CIA and eventually became a staunch Taliban supporter has died, Pakistani officials told CNN. Col. Sultan Amir Tarar, also known as Col. Imam, died in North Waziristan, one of the districts in Pakistan's tribal region along the border with Afghanistan, said government official...
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Afghan Officials Cite Security Firms with US Ties for Violations
24 January 2011
, The Washington Post, 22 January 2011
EXCERPT: "The Afghan government has accused several prominent private security companies, including some that work with the U.S. government, of committing 'major offenses,' a move that U.S. officials fear could hasten their departure from the country. A list compiled by Afghan officials cites 16 companies, including several...
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Karzai Agrees to Seat New Afghan Parliament
24 January 2011
, The New York Times, 22 January 2011
EXCERPT: "President Hamid Karzai backed down on Saturday from his plan to put off the inauguration of a new Parliament by another month, agreeing to convene it this week after intense pressure from legislators and the international community. Angered by the president's repeated delays in their inauguration, the newly elected members of Parliament...
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