U.S. to look at own role in Afghan graft Nov 21, 2009
But NATO and some allies, including Germany, have said they will wait to make any decisions until after the U.S. has made its announcement. The U.S. has a record American force of more than 68,000 in Afghanistan. (MSNBC -- International)
Obama to Troops: 'Good Photo Op' Nov 21, 2009
Gen. Stanley McChrystal, the top U.S. and NATO commander in Afghanistan, has asked for 40,000 additional troops ... So it was that in the first 100 days after his appointment in June of Gen. Stanley McChrystal as commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan, Obama met with the general only once, Romney writes. (Newsmax)
U.S. softens approach to Karzai Nov 21, 2009
Vice President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr. had come to the palace for dinner, and halfway through the meal, he began taking his host to task for how he was responding to civilian casualties caused by U.S. and NATO military operations. Biden told Karzai that he was politicizing the issue and leveling "ill-founded" allegations in public, according to a previously undisclosed account of the dinner from a person who attended. (MSNBC -- International)
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UK navy fires on 'Spanish flag' Nov 21, 2009
Later the UK Ministry of Defence clarified that the colours were those of a maritime signal flag used by Nato. "HMS Scimitar was using Flag No1 during gunnery practice - not the Spanish national flag," a spokesperson said. (BBC News -- UK)
Tories ponder Army's German role Nov 21, 2009
Other Nato member states should take up the UK's responsibilities in Germany, allowing British troops to deploy elsewhere, he told the Daily Telegraph ... "Following the Cold War, we've drawn down our troops in Germany to reflect the changed strategic context. The UK always looks to share responsibility proportionally among its Nato allies," a spokesman said ... He wants a "more creative diplomatic solution" in Nato involving new member states from eastern and central Europe, particularly... (BBC News -- UK)
Floods spread across front pages Nov 21, 2009
In it, he warns that the if Nato troops pulled out now. Fourth choice. (BBC News -- UK)
Higher Taxes on Wealthy May Be Needed to Cover Afghan War Cost, Levin Says Nov 21, 2009
Other countries in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization should bear responsibility for delivering half the additional troops needed to secure the conflict zone and train Afghan forces, Levin said. He didnt predict how many troops President would add. (Bloomberg -- US)
Coaxing Karzai Nov 21, 2009
It is an approach that is partly dictated by the fact that Washington and its Nato allies have no other choice but to deal with the facts on the ground - and this includes Mr Karzai, as president, regardless of misgivings about him or questions surrounding the legitimacy of his presidency ... Nato countries have demanded that Mr Karzai tackle corruption and the illicit drug trade ... Mrs Clinton says both Nato and the Afghan leaders must do better. (BBC News -- Americas)
Serbia rejects Kosovo trade-off Nov 21, 2009
Kosovo has been UN-administered since Nato's 1999 air raids on Serbia ... Nato bombing forced the Serb army out of Kosovo in 1999, after Serbia's crackdown on ethnic Albanians had triggered a huge exodus of civilians and provoked an international outcry. (Yahoo News -- Serbia & Montenegro)
* More English needed for Chinas peacekeeping role Nov 21, 2009
China sent naval ships to the Gulf of Aden last winter to protect commercial vessels against Somali pirates, and has now indicated it would further cooperate with NATO patrols there. The US has floated the idea of Chinese support in Afghanistan, but Kui said China can only participate in peacekeeping operations organized by the UN.. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
* Germany delays Afghan move Nov 21, 2009
More than 30 soldiers have been killed as Taliban militants have become more entrenched in the north of the country where German soldiers serve in the NATO-led force ... Meanwhile, NATO postponed a meeting at which the allies were to have pledged reinforcements for its 71,000-strong force in Afghanistan to take into account the latest developments in that country and the outcome of Obamas strategic review of the war ... The US military has another 36,000 soldiers in Afghanistan who serve... (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Honey isn't bringingU.S. foes to the table Nov 21, 2009
Our NATO allies continue to balk at making major troop commitments in Afghanistan, in part because the president himself has been ruminating on strategy for 11 weeks and counting ... The Bush method was no more successful at reining in rogue nations or getting NATO to go all-in on Afghanistan. (NJ.com -- Times)
Nato 'may prolong' Macedonia mission Nov 21, 2009
Nato is due to hand over command of the operation to the European Union at the end of October ... But now two senior diplomats, from Nato and from the EU, have told BBC News that Nato will probably have to stay on for another two to three months ... A senior diplomat at Nato put the delay at two or three months. (Yahoo News -- Macedonia)
Is There a Palin Doctrine? Nov 21, 2009
Or the NATO interventions that tried to define a "New World Order" by halting an invasion and a genocide ... NATO intervention in Kuwait saved a tiny, oil-rich emmirate that has a minimal role in the global oil market; Saddam would've sold us Kuwaiti oil as readily as he sold us Iraqi oil ... We now know that John McCain did not win last year's election but that outcome wasn't all that certain when the senator and those around him decided to hand the Alaskan governor the potential veephood with... (Slate)
Obama Seeks to Reset Ties with Karzai Nov 21, 2009
Vice President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr. had come to the palace for dinner, and halfway through the meal, he began taking his host to task for how he was responding to civilian casualties caused by U.S. and NATO military operations ... To critics of the forceful approach, the senator showed that patient diplomacy -- drinking copious cups of tea, flattering his ego and going for long walks in the palace garden -- could still get Karzai to bend ... The sources said that Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal,... (CBS News -- US)
Obama's Indecision Nov 21, 2009
Our NATO allies joined us in Afghanistan because the U.S. had been attacked by Al Qaeda. It was an acid test of the NATO alliance: For the first time since 1949, NATO went to war ... What will become of NATO, the most successful example of Democratic Party leadership. (Townhall.com)
OBAMA DROPS BELOW 50% IN GALLUP Nov 21, 2009
November 20, 2009Afghans surveyed in June see NATO, the United Nations, India, and Iran playing roles in reconstruction more than anything else -- in line with what Afghans say they should do. However, Afghans are as likely to see Pakistans role as supporting the Taliban as helping with reconstruction. (The Drudge Report)
EU president wants Copenhagen to give us 'global management'... Nov 21, 2009
Once the Copenhaugen docs are signed you can be sure that NATO, not American troops will be collecting our guns. one round at a time. (The Drudge Report)
Charlemagne: A new balance in Europe Nov 20, 2009
IN THEORY, Russian diplomats accredited to NATO are welcome friends: the reality is murkier ... This leads to cat-and-mouse games that range from the serious (in February, an Estonian official was jailed for more than 12 years for selling NATO secrets to Russia) to the comical (guards were posted at the doors of meetings reserved for full NATO members after Russian officials were found hiding their badges and sneaking inside) ... Since the end of the cold war, European and American policy... (The Economist)
Two tough challenges wrestling Karzai's new administration Nov 20, 2009
Earlier, U.S. President Barack Obama, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, and NATO Secretary General, Anders Gogh Rasmussen whose troops have been fighting in Afghanistan had also warned Karzai to fight corruption and improve governance ... More than 100,000 NATO-led troops with over 60,000 of them Americans have been stationed in Afghanistan to hunt down militants and ensure durable peace in the country. (Xinhuanet, China)
Karzai Vows to Improve Afghan Security, Battle Corruption in Second Term Nov 20, 2009
As President considers a request to send as many as 40,000 additional American troops to Afghanistan to root out a stubborn insurgency, the U.S. and NATO allies are pressing Karzai to crack down on graft and insecurity, and appoint officials on merit, not political alliances ... On her first trip to Kabul as the top U.S. diplomat, Clinton met Karzai and conferred with senior U.S. and NATO officials about civilian and military strategy. (Bloomberg -- Canada)
Afghan leader Karzai vows to fight corruption Nov 20, 2009
NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, whose alliance has 70,000 troops in Afghanistan, congratulated Karzai but for called for an "inclusive" and "accountable" administration in which "corruption has no place". Reax: NATO urges Karzai to tackle corruption ... The United States and NATO -- with 100,000 soldiers fighting the Taliban and leaders deciding whether to dispatch tens of thousands of extra troops in a last-ditch effort to win the war -- have little choice but to work with Karzai.... (Yahoo! Asia News)
* Karzai says he will tackle graft, take over local security Nov 20, 2009
General Stanley McChrystal, the top US and NATO commander in Afghanistan, wants tens of thousands of additional troops, warning that without them, the war will probably be lost. A UN-backed probe found that nearly a third of votes for Karzai in the Aug. 20 election were fake. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Serbia rejects Kosovo trade-off Nov 20, 2009
Kosovo has been UN-administered since Nato's 1999 air raids on Serbia ... Nato bombing forced the Serb army out of Kosovo in 1999, after Serbia's crackdown on ethnic Albanians had triggered a huge exodus of civilians and provoked an international outcry. (Yahoo News -- Serbia & Montenegro)
CAL THOMAS: Terrorist trials in U.S. is dangerous Nov 20, 2009
Will it produce more troops from our NATO allies to finish the job in Afghanistan. Not likely. (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
Karzai sets ambitious, reassuring goals in inaugural Nov 20, 2009
The Obama administration is expected to announce soon a decision on whether to send more US forces to the country, in addition to the 68,000 already here, as concerns spread in many parts of the NATO alliance about the value of supporting a government seen as lacking credibility ... In Zabul Province, a NATO convoy was attacked, and two US soldiers were reported killed. (Boston Globe)
13 killed in suicide bombing in W Afghanistan Nov 20, 2009
He said the wounded are being retreated in a hospital of the NATO provincial reconstruction team, with 15 in critical condition. The attack targeted at a police checkpoint near his office, he added. (Xinhuanet, China)
Afghan leader 'must show results' Nov 20, 2009
And Nato chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen said progress towards "a capable and inclusive administration" was vital both for Afghans and for nations with troops in the country. Please turn on JavaScript. (BBC News -- South Asia)
Branch develops counter-IED_training program Nov 20, 2009
Gen. Stanley McChrystal, commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan, addressed the counter-IED effort as part of the new strategy for Afghanistan in his August 2009 report to President Barack Obama. In October, the Combined Arms Center's Collective Training Directorate Counter-IED Branch launched a battle staff training support package that focuses on countering IED and sniper threats. (Leavenworth Lamp, KS)
Obama to the Troops: 'You guys make a pretty good photo op'... Nov 20, 2009
Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, the top U.S. and NATO commander in Afghanistan, has stated that without the deployment of up to 40,000 additional troops within the next year, the mission "will likely result in failure." But some aides are arguing for a much smaller troop increase, and the U.S. ambassador in Kabul, Karl W. Eikenberry, has questioned whether the Afghan government can be a reliable partner. Obama said in interviews Wednesday that he would reveal his decision within the next several... (The Drudge Report)
Death toll from a suicide bombing in west Afghanistan's Farah province Friday morning rose to 13 with 47 others wounded, said provincial governor Rohul Amin.• Roadside bomb kills 3 civilians, wound 3 in E Afghanistan Nov 20, 2009
Taliban insurgents fighting Afghan government often planted mines on roads to target Afghan, U.S. and NATO troops. Editor: Li Xianzhi. (Xinhuanet, China)
The US troops keeping it in the family Nov 20, 2009
A Nato base in Kosovo has 37 family pairs that are serving alongside one another. US troops at Camp Bondsteel are gaining a reputation for keeping it in the family. (BBC News)
Taliban tap into Afghanistan's roots Nov 20, 2009
Some North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) countries, owing to their prominent colonial pasts, have long if distant experience with counter-insurgency and civil operations. They stress rapport with local people and limit the use of artillery and air strikes. (Asia Times Online)
EU secret out as diplomat spills beans on top post Nov 20, 2009
(Mr Harmel, who died this week aged 98, was a Belgian foreign minister who wrote the 1967 strategy that led NATO allies to seek detente with the Soviet-led Warsaw pact. . (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Romney: Obama Mismanaging Afghan War Nov 20, 2009
So it was that in the first 100 days after his appointment in June of Gen. Stanley McChrystal as commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan, Obama met with the general only once, Romney writes. In the annals of American history, it is certain that no wartime president has ever spent less time with his generals than Obama has. (Newsmax)
An encouraging sign Nov 20, 2009
Under this concept, every Afghan army and police unit would be teamed with a NATO formation of comparable size ... It will give NATO forces much better information about who are the dependable leaders in Afghan security forces and who are not ... The NATO partnering concept also should provide police with more backup when units encounter Taliban ambushes or other challenging situations - which should lower their casualties. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch)
The Serious People And The Fringe Nov 20, 2009
Establishment consensus views on Iraq and its weapon programs were wrong; consensus support for the bombardment of Lebanon and the Gaza operation was also wrong; the serious bipartisan consensus in favor of NATO expansion has been disastrously wrong. The trouble with Palin s views on settlements and Israel-Palestine is not that they are on the fringe, but that they are as deeply misinformed about political realities in the region as so many of the consensus views mentioned above. (The American Conservative)
Clinton Sees Encouraging Karzai Signs as U.S. Plots Afghanistan War Plan Nov 20, 2009
For his part, Karzai used his speech to address points of friction with the U.S. and NATO allies. He pledged to pursue peace with militants, fight corruption and drugs and expand a national army and police capable of taking over security operations in five years. (Bloomberg -- Asia)
2 US service members killed in Afghan explosion Nov 20, 2009
KABUL (AP) -- NATO says two U.S. service members have been killed in an explosion in southern Afghanistan ... Jilani Farahe, deputy chief of police for the province, said a suicide car bomber detonated his explosives near the gate of a NATO base. (WSVN-TV Miami, FL)
Taming the mafia state Nov 20, 2009
NATO is also getting involved ... As one NATO official in Kabul put it, Ahmed Wali s ruthless use of patronage has annoyed many people and possibly increased support for the insurgents. (The Economist)
Afghanistan's Karzai under pressure to deliver on promises Nov 20, 2009
That in turn led to questions in the United States, Britain and other NATO countries involved in the war against the Taliban, about the value and wisdom of continuing support. As polls showed popular support for the war plunging, leaders including US President Barack Obama, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown and NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen began browbeating Karzai to prove his worth ... But US Defence Secretary Robert Gates said on Thursday it was too soon to set a timeline to... (Channelnewsasia.com)
Editorial Roundup: Excerpts From Recent Editorials Nov 20, 2009
At the 25th anniversary, the national Parents as Teachers president called him "a children's champion," and the senator remains convinced that the investment made in young people pays greater dividends for the nation ... If the NATO mission in Afghanistan fails, it will encourage jihadis throughout the Middle East and the sub-continent, destabilise Pakistan and undermine the embryonic anti-clerical movement in Iran, a country whose nuclear ambitions remain the other great foreign policy... (San Francisco Chronicle -- Crime)
Europe.view: Looking eastwards, even further Nov 20, 2009
A NATO country would be a bonus. Eastern Europe could also be an attractive low-cost manufacturing base to increase market share inside the EU, dodging protectionist pressures, higher transport costs and other impediments to feeding the European desire for cheap goods directly from China itself. (The Economist)
Karzai under pressure Nov 20, 2009
" The nature of his election win with almost a million fake votes cast in his favour highlighted astounding levels of graft in Afghanistan, now billed by Transparency International as the world's second most corrupt country. That in turn led to questions in the United States, Britain and other NATO countries involved in the war against the Taliban, about the value and wisdom of continuing support. As polls showed popular support for the war plunging, leaders including US President Barack... (iAfrica.com)
Suicide Bomber Kills 13 In Afghanistan Nov 20, 2009
As the inaugural ceremony took place in Kabul on Thursday, a suicide bomber killed two U.S. service members in the southern province of Zabul, local officials and NATO said ... James Cameron's Hit Films Have Spanned from "Terminator" to "Titanic" to "Avatar". (CBS News)
Serbian leader calls snap polls Nov 20, 2009
Kosovo's declaration of independence on 17 February came nearly a decade after Nato forces expelled Serbian forces from the majority ethnic Albanian territory. The US and most EU states have recognised Pristina's unilateral move. (Yahoo News -- Kosovo)
Nato 'may prolong' Macedonia mission Nov 19, 2009
Nato is due to hand over command of the operation to the European Union at the end of October ... But now two senior diplomats, from Nato and from the EU, have told BBC News that Nato will probably have to stay on for another two to three months ... A senior diplomat at Nato put the delay at two or three months. (Yahoo News -- Macedonia)
Karzai back at helm, but hisimage is tarnished Nov 19, 2009
The U.S. and other NATO countries have said they are weighing the rampant government corruption and mismanagement in decisions on committing more troops ... Karzai and his NATO allies have struggled to extend government control beyond Kabul and its immediate environs ... For his part, Karzai has grown increasingly critical of the conduct of the United States and NATO in Afghanistan especially of the killing of civilians in the war against the Taliban. (MSNBC -- International)
Obama 'close' to Afghan decision Nov 19, 2009
Her visit is a clear sign that the US and its Nato allies have no choice but to work with Mr Karzai and he knows it, the BBC's State Department correspondent Kim Ghattas says. ANALYSIS. (BBC News -- Americas)
Afghan official said to take bribe for coppe... Nov 19, 2009
Karzai has been under pressure from the U.S. and NATO allies to rid his government of the graft and backroom deals that turn Afghans against their public institutions and undercut the U.S. military effort there. Arriving in Kabul on Wednesday to attend the inauguration, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said Karzai has a "clear window of opportunity" to show Afghans that their government will be accountable. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Kosovo riots 'were orchestrated' Nov 19, 2009
Nato peacekeepers have taken up positions around Mitrovica ... Rocks, hand grenades and petrol bombs were hurled at UN officers and Nato troops fired back ... Nato's K-For force maintains it fired only in the air. (Yahoo News -- Kosovo)
Miss Ireland upstages lady in red Nov 19, 2009
Foreign Secretary tells Nato peace will only come with inclusive administration. Wednesday, 18 November 2009. (Yahoo News -- Beauty Pageants)
Serbia rejects Kosovo trade-off Nov 19, 2009
Kosovo has been UN-administered since Nato's 1999 air raids on Serbia ... Nato bombing forced the Serb army out of Kosovo in 1999, after Serbia's crackdown on ethnic Albanians had triggered a huge exodus of civilians and provoked an international outcry. (Yahoo News -- Serbia & Montenegro)
Afghan Capital Braces for Karzai Inauguration Nov 19, 2009
Both the U.S. and other NATO countries have also said they are weighing the rampant government corruption and mismanagement in decisions on committing more troops ... In the latest violence, a U.S. service member was killed when his vehicle hit a bomb in the south of the country, NATO forces said. (Newsmax)
West seeks new beginnings Nov 19, 2009
It is a time when many Nato allies are under growing pressure at home to take their troops off a dangerous front line. It is also a time when many Afghans are asking questions about an international commitment that has not translated into the kind of change they expected. (BBC News -- South Asia)
Excerpts: Karzai speech Nov 19, 2009
We are certain that Nato member states will take more effective steps to accelerate the readiness of the Afghan national army and police. This is the only way that Afghanistan's wish for the soldiers of our friends to return to their countries soon can come true and for the Afghans themselves to take full responsibility of their security. (BBC News -- South Asia)
* NATO, allies to add substantial forces for Afghan mission Nov 19, 2009
NATO, allies to add substantial forces for Afghan mission ... NATO and its allies will order substantially more forces into battle in Afghanistan over the next few weeks, the alliances secretary-general said on Tuesday ... Speaking in Edinburgh at a NATO parliamentary assembly meeting, NATO -Secretary--General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said: In a few weeks, I expect we will decide, in NATO, on the approach and troop levels needed to take our mission forward. (Taipei Times, Taiwan)
Serbian leader calls snap polls Nov 19, 2009
Kosovo's declaration of independence on 17 February came nearly a decade after Nato forces expelled Serbian forces from the majority ethnic Albanian territory. The US and most EU states have recognised Pristina's unilateral move. (Yahoo News -- Kosovo)
Bring them home, Mr. President Nov 19, 2009
Obama is also reported to be considering scenarios in which he would send roughly 30,000 extra troops, somehow convincing our unwilling NATO allies to make up the difference, or send about 20,000 troops and modify the McChrystal plan, opting instead for a "hybrid" strategy that's part counterinsurgency, part counterterrorism. I'm skeptical that either of these options sets goals that are achievable, and I'm certain that neither sets goals that are clear. (Fort Madison Daily Democrat, IO)
* Poverty, graft driving Afghan war: poll Nov 19, 2009
More than 100,000 NATO and US troops continue to battle a Taliban insurgency. The past three decades of war and disorder have had a devastating impact on the Afghan people, said the 52-page report, The Cost of War, Afghan Experiences of Conflict, 1978-2009. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Key facts and figures on Afghanistan Nov 19, 2009
The United States has lost 920 troops, Britain 235 and other NATO contributors 365, according to the iCasualties website (www ... There are approximately 105,000 foreign troops from 42 countries working under the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), which was established in December 2001 ... Britain, with 9,000 troops, is the second largest ISAF contributor, followed by Germany with 4,050 and France with 3,160, according to the most recent NATO figures from October. (AlertNet)
As D.C. Decides on Troop Levels, British Support for the Afghan War Fades Nov 19, 2009
Public support for Britain's contribution to the NATO-led mission in Afghanistan has curdled as the body count of British troops has spiraled, reaching 98 this year alone ... During his annual foreign policy speech at London's Guildhall on Monday, Prime Minister Gordon Brown groped for a way to meet that aspiration by offering to host a conference involving NATO and the Afghan government in January to set out an Afghan exit strategy ... Labour and its chief opponents, the Conservatives, remain... (Time.com)
Czech marchers honor revolution against regime Nov 19, 2009
Today, the Czech Republic and Slovakia are European Union and NATO members. While the world recession has left its mark, their economies are among the strongest of the continent's former communist nations, and their democracies among the most resilient. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Afghanistan runs on well-oiled wheels Nov 19, 2009
Soon thereafter, Zahid Walid, a company named after Abdul Hasin's older sons, not so surprisingly won a series of lucrative contracts to pour concrete for a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) base as well as portions of the US Embassy being rebuilt in Kabul and the city's airport, which was in a state of disrepair. On a plot of land in downtown Kabul reportedly "seized" for a song by Fahim, Abdul Hasin also financed the construction of a high-rise building dubbed "Goldpoint", which now... (Asia Times Online)
