The end is near Nov 19, 2009
I think he s been in Pakistan since about 9/12 ... KSM was not captured on a battlefield, he was rustled out of a house in Rawalpindi, Pakistan by Pakistanim security forces with US assistance. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Fears over child intensive care Nov 19, 2009
BBC News : Critical care beds shortage fear. Page last updated at 00:31 GMT, Thursday, 19 November 2009. (BBC News -- UK)
Pakistan court blast kills many Nov 19, 2009
A bomb attack outside a court in the north-western Pakistani city of Peshawar has killed at least 16 people and injured 26 others, medics say ... Attacks across Pakistan have increased dramatically as the army continues its offensive against the Taliban in South Waziristan near the Afghan border ... Last Friday, a suicide car bomb attack on the office of Pakistan's main intelligence agency ISI on the same road killed at least 12 people and injured 40 others. (BBC News -- South Asia)
Pakistan drone raid 'kills three' Nov 19, 2009
BBC News : Pakistan drone raid 'kills three ... Pakistan drone raid 'kills three ... At least three suspected militants have been killed in a US drone attack in Pakistan's North Waziristan region, Pakistani officials say. (BBC News -- South Asia)
Karzai back at helm, but hisimage is tarnished Nov 19, 2009
He also was known to Western officials because he had helped to organize opposition to the Soviet occupation in the 1980s and to the Taliban regime in the 1990s from neighboring Pakistan ... During the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan in the 1980s, Karzai worked with an exile group in Pakistan seeking to liberate his homeland ... Operating once again from Pakistan, Karzai was involved in organizing resistance to the Taliban. (MSNBC -- International)
Liberia's Taylor trial adjourned Nov 19, 2009
Pakistan court blast kills many. In pictures: Recovering in Sierra Leone. (Yahoo News -- Liberia)
Troubled Afghan president readies inaugural speech Nov 19, 2009
The event is attracting dignitaries from about 40 countries, including Asif Ali Zardari, president of neighboring Pakistan. He met Wednesday with Karzai, who accuses Pakistan of harboring the Taliban leadership in its lawless tribal area that borders Afghanistan. (WSVN-TV Miami, FL)
Karzai sworn in as Afghan leader Nov 19, 2009
Dignitaries from about 40 countries were attending the ceremony, including US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and UK Foreign Secretary David Miliband ... First to the scene in Pakistan. (BBC News -- South Asia)
Bangladesh officers lose appeal Nov 19, 2009
Mr Rahman was killed in 1975, just four years after leading Bangladesh to independence from Pakistan ... First to the scene in Pakistan. (BBC News -- South Asia)
Key facts and figures on Afghanistan Nov 19, 2009
Afghanistan is a landlocked country in Central Asia which shares borders with Iran, Pakistan, China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan ... org; CIA World Fact Book, Transparency International (Compiled by Golnar Motevalli; Editing by Nick Macfie) (For more Reuters coverage of Afghanistan and Pakistan, see: http://www ... com/news/globalcoverage/afghanistanpakistan). (AlertNet)
Karzai vows to tackle graft, handle security Nov 19, 2009
(For more on the conflict in Afghanistan and Pakistan click [ID:nAFPAK ... Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, the most prominent foreign leader at the ceremony, watched Karzai's inauguration with foreign ministers from Britain, France and Turkey ... (For more Reuters coverage of Afghanistan and Pakistan, see: http://www. (AlertNet)
India English growth 'too slow' Nov 19, 2009
Page last updated at 12:18 GMT, Wednesday, 18 November 2009. India English growth 'too slow. (BBC News -- South Asia)
Alert as flood risk increases Nov 19, 2009
Page last updated at 08:58 GMT, Thursday, 19 November 2009. Between 50 and 70mm of rain is forecast to fall in Cumbria. (BBC News -- UK)
* UN investigators question Musharraf over Bhuttos death Nov 19, 2009
A UN commission investigating the assassination of former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto has questioned former military ruler Pervez Musharraf, the UN said yesterday. The team arrived in Pakistan in July to investigate the circumstances surrounding the 2007 attack that left the two-time prime minister dead and met dozens of individuals ... Musharraf, who was in power at the time of Bhuttos death, was replaced last year as Pakistans president by Bhuttos widower, Asif Ali... (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Clinton meets Karzai, demands reforms help Afghans Nov 19, 2009
The White House is developing clear targets for both the Afghan and Pakistani governments, possibly with specific timelines, as a way to signal that the American military presence will not last indefinitely, American officials said ... As for Pakistan, the officials said, the White House plan would press Islamabad to keep pressure on its insurgents and on Al Qaeda and, most important, go after militant groups that until now they have not taken on aggressively. (Boston Globe)
West seeks new beginnings Nov 19, 2009
Poor infrastructure: transport, telecommunications and power A volatile security situation Pervasive corruption Nascent banking system with limited commercial financing Inconsistent customs procedures High transport costs Little or no enforcement of intellectual property rights Competition from cheap goods and services: Pakistan, China and Iran Shortage of skilled labour and trained personnel Source: World Bank ... First to the scene in Pakistan. (BBC News -- South Asia)
Hasan Epitomizes U.S. "Self-Radicalizing" Nov 19, 2009
they see us killing innocents in Pakistan and shrugging it off ... now we have to decide from Pakistanis to Morrocans to American-Iranians to anyone else with a tie to the ME--how much does their sense of injustice or even the idea that what we do is racist or religious persecution--mean to each sympathizer--then we have to decide who among them or those who sympathize with them is rash enough and sociopathic enough to attack our own country while they live here. (CBS News -- US)
Obama 'furious' about Afghanistan leaks... Nov 19, 2009
In exchange Iran will provide a secured path for any Gas pipeline through Afganistan to Pakistan and GE's electrical plants in India ... Iranian control of Afgnaistan would provide a counter to Pakistan's growing power and would stop the Taliban from expanding outside of Pakistan. (The Drudge Report)
Poor kit 'did not kill soldier' Nov 19, 2009
BBC News : Poor kit 'did not kill soldier. Page last updated at 20:12 GMT, Wednesday, 18 November 2009. (BBC News -- UK)
Flooding warnings for parts of UK Nov 19, 2009
Page last updated at 08:32 GMT, Thursday, 19 November 2009. Please turn on JavaScript. (BBC News -- UK)
Remains found in journalist hunt Nov 19, 2009
Page last updated at 08:50 GMT, Thursday, 19 November 2009. Mr Collett was 64 when he was kidnapped at gunpoint. (BBC News -- UK)
'Still time' to sort curriculum Nov 19, 2009
Page last updated at 00:21 GMT, Thursday, 19 November 2009. Still time' to sort curriculum. (BBC News -- UK)
Tories urge overhaul of UK media Nov 19, 2009
Page last updated at 00:59 GMT, Thursday, 19 November 2009. Newspapers, in particular, are suffering from falling advertising revenue. (BBC News -- UK)
Comoros president rival arrested Nov 19, 2009
Pakistan court blast kills many. WATCHED/LISTENED. (BBC News -- Africa)
Woman child sex abuse charge Nov 19, 2009
BBC News : Woman charged on child sex abuse. Page last updated at 22:00 GMT, Wednesday, 18 November 2009. (BBC News -- UK)
Warning on 'education meltdown' Nov 19, 2009
BBC News : Warning on 'education meltdown. Page last updated at 08:56 GMT, Thursday, 19 November 2009. (BBC News -- UK)
Vicar forgives daughter's killers Nov 19, 2009
Page last updated at 20:51 GMT, Wednesday, 18 November 2009. Rosimeiri Boxall fell to her death from a third-floor window. (BBC News -- UK)
How green is your city? Newcastle takes top spot Nov 19, 2009
BBC News : Newcastle 'greenest' British city. Page last updated at 02:16 GMT, Thursday, 19 November 2009. (BBC News -- UK)
Battle brews over money education Nov 19, 2009
Page last updated at 13:11 GMT, Wednesday, 18 November 2009. There have been calls for more guidance on money matters. (BBC News -- Business)
Jobs support for service families Nov 19, 2009
Page last updated at 01:34 GMT, Thursday, 19 November 2009. Families may move regularly between different military bases. (BBC News -- UK)
Forgotten heroes Nov 19, 2009
Page last updated at 13:11 GMT, Tuesday, 17 November 2009. Five British heroes overlooked by history. (BBC News -- UK)
Six bailed over mutilation murder Nov 19, 2009
Page last updated at 07:20 GMT, Thursday, 19 November 2009. Geeta Aulakh worked as a receptionist at Sunrise Radio. (BBC News -- UK)
800,000 debt Nov 19, 2009
Page last updated at 14:51 GMT, Wednesday, 18 November 2009. By Michele Paduano Health correspondent, BBC Midlands Today. (BBC News -- UK)
Karzai Sworn In for 2nd Term Nov 19, 2009
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and British Foreign Minister David Miliband were among them ... Pakistani security forces rescue boys who they say were kidnapped by the Taliban to become suicide bombers. (Fox News)
Afghan Capital Braces for Karzai Inauguration Nov 19, 2009
Afghan flags hung from lampposts on major boulevards to welcome the dozens of international leaders in town for the inauguration, including Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari ... Traditionally rocky relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have improved steadily since Pakistan's elected government led by Zardari replaced the military dictatorship of Gen. Pervez Musharraf ... Afghanistan routinely accuses Pakistan of harboring Taliban's top leadership, while Pakistan complains bitterly about... (Newsmax)
Queen's Speech 'shameless' Nov 18, 2009
Page last updated at 11:28 GMT, Tuesday, 17 November 2009. Queen's Speech 'to be shameless. (BBC News -- UK)
US sex-abstinence drive 'flawed' Nov 18, 2009
Page last updated at 02:13 GMT, Friday, 1 December 2006. US sex-abstinence drive 'flawed. (Yahoo News -- Birth Control)
Search site aims to rival Google Nov 18, 2009
Pakistan 'captures Taliban bases. Coverage of the Queen's Speech. (Yahoo News -- Internet and WWW)
Tiny Central Washington mining town elects a Muslim mayor Nov 18, 2009
Granite Falls residents are suspicious of any newcomers, let alone a Muslim native of Pakistan who moved to this rugged, blue-collar mining town to open his own bar ... He emigrated from Rawalpindi, a city next to Islamabad, Pakistan s capital where his father s business tanked and family feuds were a constant worry to work in Iran as a seaman and then to the U.S. in 1979 on a visitor visa. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Paying Off The Warlords Nov 18, 2009
The plant, built by Black h, is now projected to cost $300 million, three times the price of similar plants in neighboring Pakistan. In addition, it will only be capable of supplying one-third of the power the Uzbek power line can deliver far less expensively. (CBS News)
Al-Qaeda chemical expert 'killed' Nov 18, 2009
Reports from Pakistan say a leading al-Qaeda chemical weapons expert, Midhat Mursi al-Sayid Umar, has been killed in a missile strike ... Pakistani military spokesman Maj Gen Athar Abbas told the AFP news agency it was still awaiting "authentic information" from the area ... Pakistan has complained the attacks could damage bilateral relations. (Yahoo News -- Terrorism & 9/11)
12 Afghans die as militants target general Nov 17, 2009
The Avalon offensive aimed to secure the area for a planned road, financed by the United States with checkpoints funded by the European Union, to bypass Kabul while moving supplies from neighboring Pakistan, said Col. Francis Chanson, head of France's 3rd Marine Infantry Regiment. NATO forces have bases in the Tagab Valley but have had difficulty stabilizing the mountainous area connected by small footpaths. (MSNBC -- International)
Afghan leaders unveil anticorruption measures Nov 17, 2009
The purpose of the operation is to secure the area for a planned road that would bypass the capital, Kabul, while moving in supplies from Pakistan. The rockets struck about 90 minutes after the meeting convened in a building next to the main market of Tagab. (Boston Globe)
Obama should play to win Nov 17, 2009
That imperative is reinforced by the presence of Pakistan, a shaky nuclear-armed power across a porous mountain border. If the Taliban comes back in Afghanistan, the al-Qaeda cells already in Pakistan will operate even more freely -- and nuclear weapons could fall into the most dangerous hands. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch)
Britain's Brown defends Afghan role Nov 17, 2009
Brown pointed to the fact that Al-Qaeda, which once operated from within Afghanistan under the protection of the Taliban, has been pushed into the border area with Pakistan. The prime minister's spokesman told journalists ahead of the speech that Brown would emphasise that allied airstrikes and an offensive from the Pakistani army had left Al-Qaeda "on the back foot". (Channelnewsasia.com)
An anxious wait in Afghanistan Nov 17, 2009
Asia Times Online :: South Asia news, business and economy from India and Pakistan ... Though these operations have resulted in far lower body counts than their counterparts have achieved in their much more densely populated Pakistani neighbor, they have been equally as strategically effective and forced the international community to reassess the enemy it faces in the AfPak quagmire. (Asia Times Online)
A Bonapartist in the Indian Ocean Nov 17, 2009
Asia Times Online :: South Asia news, business and economy from India and Pakistan ... His assignments included the Soviet Union, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Germany, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Kuwait and Turkey. (Asia Times Online)
Democracy - it’s not for everyone Nov 17, 2009
India and Pakistan had just gained their freedom, but most of the other lands in what came to be called the Third World were still in the grip of European colonialism ... It has served India well and Pakistan badly. (Boston Globe)
Taliban make gains in Afghanistan's forgotten north Nov 16, 2009
Many of the Taliban appear to be local residents who were refugees in Pakistan and have returned to rural districts with substantial Pashtun populations, according to Granander. These rural districts haven't shared in much of the economic growth that's revived the Balkh's urban center of Mazar-i-Sharif, a hub of trade and agriculture. (Christian Science Monitor)
French, Afghan troops push into hostile valley Nov 16, 2009
The mission: secure the area for a planned bypass road around the Afghan capital to move supplies from neighboring Pakistan ... Separately in the eastern province of Paktika, which borders Pakistan, a joint NATO and Afghan force killed a group of militants while pursuing a commander tied to the militant network run by Jalaluddin Haqqani, NATO said. (MSNBC -- International)
The Election Commission has announced the official results of polling in 19 constituencies of Gilgit-Baltistan for seats in the area`s newly-formed legislative assembly Nov 16, 2009
Daily Times - Leading News Resource of Pakistan ... According to the announcement, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has won 12 seats, the PML-N and PML-Q secured two seats each and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl and Muttahida Qaumi Movement won one seat each. (Daily Times, Pakistan)
Mr. Obama's War Nov 16, 2009
We know now that Hasan was communicating with an Al-Quida-connected imam (of at least twenty e-mails Hasan sent, some were answered) and, according to press reports, Hasan was on one end of wire transfers -- money -- to or from Pakistan. Yet no one acted on this knowledge for fear of being labeled anti-Muslim. (Human Events Online)
The bold decision to try 9/11 terrorists in NYC Nov 15, 2009
Two leaders of a mosque in Albany, N.Y., were arrested Thursday and charged with helping an undercover informant posing as a weapons dealer who was plotting to buy a shoulder-launched missile that would be used to kill the Pakistani ambassador in New York City ... And another is Pakistan but not Afghanistan. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Obama eyes budget costs of Afghan plan Nov 15, 2009
If we have just a minimalist counterterrorism strategy, the Taliban will come back over the mountains from Pakistan, and they will be followed by their co-conspirators from the Al Qaeda organization. . (MSNBC -- International)
Pakistan willing to be flexible on Kashmir: Shaukat Aziz Nov 14, 2009
Islamabad, March 17 Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has said Pakistan can be 'flexible' on the Kashmir issue and move from 'conflict management to conflict resolution' if other stakeholders reciprocate ... Pakistan was are ady to reverse the course of confrontation with India and demonstrate flexibility', Dawn quoted him as saying ... This would unleash the vast potential of our two countries and usher in a new era of peace and prosperity, not just for Pakistan and India but for the whole of South... (Yahoo News -- Kashmir Dispute)
Mideast Radicals Fill Space Left By Peace Impasse Nov 14, 2009
Instead, U.S. attention internationally is focused on problems elsewhere: the war in Afghanistan and the al-Qaida presence in neighboring Pakistan. Iranian-backed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has gone on the offensive, attacking Obama by claiming the U.S. president has gone even further in his military support for Israel than his predecessor, George W. Bush - who was reviled in much of the Arab world. (CBS News -- World)
Another View: Vietnam, Afghanistan and learning from history Nov 14, 2009
Our quest in Afghanistan, on the other hand, is entwined with the interests of our ally, Pakistan, a nuclear nation and a crucial U.S. security interest ... Today, many al-Qaida operatives who used to operate from Afghanistan are believed to have taken refuge across the porous border in Pakistan. (Hanford Sentinal, CA)
India criticises 'polls' in PoK Nov 14, 2009
NEW DELHI: India on Friday criticised the assembly elections held in Pakistan-occupied northern areas of Jammu and Kashmir calling it just another cosmetic exercise intended to camouflage the fact of Pakistans illegal occupation of areas of the state of Jammu and Kashmir ... Pakistan had announced a plan in August giving greater autonomy to the Gilgit-Baltistan area with the first step being an assembly election ... India had also slammed the autonomy package that was unveiled by Pakistan.... (India Times)
Obama Seeks Afghan War Exit Strategy Tied to Karzai Commitment, Gibbs Says Nov 14, 2009
The participants included McChrystal via remote link, Gates, Joint Chiefs Chairman Admiral , General , who commands U.S. forces in the Middle East and Central Asia, and , the special envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan. Obama is looking for a combination of military and civilian power, seeking a solution that melds the best elements from a range of options presented to him so far, Gates said. (Bloomberg -- Germany)
Analysis: US Low On Options In Afghanistan Nov 13, 2009
Abandoning Karzai now would risk the failure of all U.S. policy goals in Afghanistan - and neighboring Pakistan too - after more than 830 American deaths. One avenue short of a major U.S. troop increase is to accelerate the training and growth of Afghanistan's security forces. (CBS News -- Opinion)
Sri Lanka split over war honors Nov 13, 2009
Asia Times Online :: South Asia news, business and economy from India and Pakistan ... Education minister Susil Premajayantha has pointed to the "total mess" in Pakistan after General Zia-ul Haq came to power in a 1977 coup. (Asia Times Online)
Commentary: Don't count on Karzai Nov 13, 2009
Combined with an expanded regional strategy that realigns the geopolitics of the region so that India and Pakistan no longer feel compelled to use Afghanistan as their proxy battleground; so that Iran feels secure in its eastern border and so that central Asian stakeholders are confident in the stability and security of energy routes through the region -- the internal politics of Afghanistan can be left to the Afghans and al Qaeda's influence can be minimized. And that is what ultimately counts. (CNN)
Spain tries 11 over alleged Islamic terror plot Nov 13, 2009
MADRID (AP) -- Eleven suspected Islamic extremists of South Asian origin went on trial Thursday over an alleged plot to stage suicide attacks on the Barcelona subway system on orders from the Pakistan Taliban ... The defendants are nine men of Pakistani nationality or origin, and two from India ... The cell acted under the inspiration of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, the Pakistani Taliban Movement, led at the time by Baitullah Mehsud, and plans for the Barcelona attack were later claimed in a video... (WSVN-TV Miami, FL)
Unofficial results for 18 seats show ruling party candidates have won elections for nine seats Nov 13, 2009
Daily Times - Leading News Resource of Pakistan ... LAHORE: The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has scored a resounding victory in the polls for the 24-member Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly with counting still underway according to unofficial results winning nine of the 23 seats up for grabs ... According to the unofficial results for 18 seats which were revealed on Thursday the PPP is leading the pack of political parties with 10 seats, followed by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz... (Daily Times, Pakistan)
Pacifying Afghanistan: a dangerous dream Nov 13, 2009
Al Qaeda already has hotbeds of sympathizers in Karachi, Pakistan; Marseilles, France; Yemen; in British mosques; and perhaps in the Detroit suburbs, as well. History offers few examples of advanced cultures transforming primitive ones; mostly conquering forces just subsume them. (Christian Science Monitor)
