14 February 2011

EXCERPT: "A Taliban raid on the southern Afghan city of Kandahar has killed 19 people, including 15 policemen, officials say. Militants armed with suicide bombs, guns and rocket-propelled grenades struck the police headquarters in the city centre around noon. Explosions shook the area as Afghan security forces battled the attackers for several hours. Dozens of people were reported injured in the attack on the city, which is the birthplace of the Taliban....

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14 February 2011

EXCERPT: "A suicide bomber detonated explosives at the entrance of an upscale mall and hotel in Kabul Monday afternoon, leaving twisted metal and broken glass at a venue frequented by foreigners and wealthy Afghans. The lunchtime blast at the newly renovated Kabul City Center shopping mall and Safi Landmark hotel killed two security guards. The guards had identified the bomber as suspicious as he approached the mall, and exchanged fire with him before...

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14 February 2011

EXCERPT: "The rate at which Afghan military leaders are being trained has not kept up with the growth of the army, hampering efforts by Western forces to hand over responsibility for security, military officials said Monday. Western NATO-led forces and Afghan officials aim to build up the national army to about 171,600 troops by October this year, from about 149,500 currently, but a lack of Afghan military leaders has led some soldiers to abandon...

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14 February 2011

EXCERPT: "Already coping with war, poverty and corruption, Afghan colleges are struggling under a policy that forbids them from charging tuition. The law also restricts public universities from having endowments, leaving the schools dependent on an Afghan government and U.S.-led coalition largely focused on confronting the Taliban. 'Security is a priority,' said A. Quadir Amiryar, senior adviser to the Ministry of Higher Education. 'Higher education...

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