What the End of 2013 Didn't Bring: An End to the Occupation of Afghanistan

What the End of 2013 Didn't Bring: An End to the Occupation of Afghanistan | Common Dreams:

"For Afghan civilians, the year brought increased casualties.
As of the end of November 2013, 2,730 Afghan civilians had been killed in violence during the year, a 10 percent increase compared to the same period of 2012, according to United Nations figures."

Report on Dire US Afghanistan Poll

Iranian Nuclear Deal - Clip

Merry Christmas, Death Squad Style.

Syria - Rebel Attack on Aleppo Hospital

Afghanistan war most unpopular in U.S. history - CNN Poll

CNN Poll: Afghanistan war arguably most unpopular in U.S. history – CNN Political Ticker - CNN.com Blogs: 
"Just 17% of those questioned say they support the 12-year-long war, down from 52% in December 2008. Opposition to the conflict now stands at 82%, up from 46% five years ago.
"Those numbers show the war in Afghanistan with far less support than other conflicts," CNN Polling Director Keating Holland said. "Opposition to the Iraq war never got higher than 69% in CNN polling while U.S. troops were in that country, and while the Vietnam War was in progress, no more than six in 10 ever told Gallup's interviewers that war was a mistake."
The U.S. timetable for Afghanistan calls for the removal of nearly all troops by roughly this time next year, and that can't come fast enough for the vast majority of Americans. Just over half would rather see U.S. troops withdrawn earlier than December 2014. Only a quarter say that America should still have boots on the ground in Afghanistan after that deadline."

Signing Agreement - Karzai Holds Out

Karzai knows it is the Taliban and Pakistan he has to accommodate, not the defeated NATO forces. 'Mission Accomplished' eh, Cameron?
Time runs out for Afghanistan: Hamid Karzai holds out on signing agreement on US and UK troops as deadline approaches - Asia - World - The Independent: 
"The deadline for an agreement which will shape the future of Afghanistan is due to pass tomorrow with negotiations at a stalemate amid warnings from Washington that a failure to find a solution will have “catastrophic” consequences."

THE LONG GOODBYE

Another Futile Death

I've been accused in the past of treating civilian casualties as more important than military ones. Of course they are. The civilians didn't volunteer for violence. Their deaths are needless and squalid. But deaths don't come much more pointless and futile than this. How many more worthless deaths will there be in the aftermath of Cameron's idiotic 'Mission Accomplished' speech last week. 

Egyptian Campus Protests Turn Deadly

Afghanistan 'gains' will be lost quickly

Afghanistan gains will be lost quickly after drawdown, U.S. intelligence estimate warns - The Washington Post:

"The National Intelligence Estimate, which includes input from the country’s 16 intelligence agencies, predicts that the Taliban and other power brokers will become increasingly influential as the United States winds down its longest war in history, according to officials who have read the classified report or received briefings on its conclusions. The grim outlook is fueling a policy debate inside the Obama administration about the steps it should take over the next year as the U.S. military draws down its remaining troops."

Clip - Beirut Bomb Just After The Explosion

L'attentat de Beyrouth filmé juste après l... by lemondefr

Beirut Bomb Impacts on Live TV Broadcast

South Sudan Government Offers Ceasefire

Kabul Blast Kills 2 Slovakian, 1 US Soldier

UN Officials Ask US to Justify Yemen Drone Massacre.

''If armed drones are to be used, States must adhere to international humanitarian law, and should disclose the legal basis for their operational responsibility and criteria for targeting,” said Christof Heyns, UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions. “Yemen cannot consent to violations of the right to life of people in its territory,” he added.
Special Rapporteur on Torture Juan Méndez also expressed concern about the legitimacy of the airstrikes, highlighting that each State was obliged to undertake due investigation into the reported incidents, including the effect on civilians.
“A deadly attack on illegitimate targets amounts to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment if, as in this case, it results in serious physical or mental pain and suffering for the innocent victims,” Mr. Méndez said. MORE

3 international troops killed in Afghanistan car bomb

3 international troops killed in Afghanistan car bomb - San Jose Mercury News:
 "The International Security Assistance Force didn't provide details on the identities or nationalities of the three service members killed.
Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said the insurgent group was behind the attack. Television images showed remains of the exploded car littering the street, and several armored vehicles stopped nearby.
The bomber struck the convoy about a half mile from NATO's Camp Phoenix base, Kabul police spokesman Hashmat Stanakzai, who reported the Afghan injuries."

Separate blasts kill or injure 4 civilians in southern Afghanistan

Separate blasts kill or injure 4 civilians in southern Afghanistan - Khaama Press (KP) | Afghan News Agency: 
"A child was killed following a blast in Spin Boldak district of southern Kandahar province on Thursday afternoon.
Zia Durani, spokesman for the provincial security department confirming the report said, another civilian was also injured in the blast.
He said the blast took place around 12pm local time, however he did not disclose the nature of the incident."

This is What Winning Looks Like

Greetings Of The Season

A peaceful holiday to all our readers. Posts should resume on Boxing Day.

For sale, the Afghan kit US wants to leave (buyer must collect)

For sale, the Afghan kit US wants to leave (buyer must collect) | GulfNews.com: 
American military is auctioning off millions ‘white goods’ in Afghanistan ahead of next year’s deadline
By Rob Crilly, The Telegraph Group Limited, London 2013Published: 19:01 December 23, 2013
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Islamabad: It is a January sale with a difference. The American military is auctioning off millions of pounds of tankers, accommodation blocks, tents, generators and other “white goods” in Afghanistan ahead of next year’s deadline for the end of combat operations. In a tender document published on Friday, buyers are invited to offer a percentage of the equipment’s original value by January 10 when sealed bids will be opened."

Nato Soldier Killed

NATO says one of its service members was killed in an attack in eastern Afghanistan.
In a statement on December 23, the coalition said the soldier had died after coming under direct fire by enemy forces.
NATO did not provide any further details, including the nationality of the soldier.
The incident brings to eight the number of coalition deaths so far this month.
Last week, six U.S. soldiers died when their helicopter went down during a mission in the southern province of Zabul.

Afghans set up Belgian protest camp in Mons

BBC News - Afghans set up Belgian protest camp in Mons:
"Hundreds of Afghan asylum seekers have set up a protest camp in the Belgian town of Mons, demanding to meet Prime Minister Elio di Rupo.
Mr di Rupo is also the mayor of Mons, and the asylum seekers say they will camp out in the town square until they see him.
They are pressing to be granted residency and for a guarantee that none of them will be expelled.
A town official said their cases would be reviewed "urgently"."

Proposals For Residual Occupation

Proposal for military force to stay longer in Afghanistan | ABC Radio Australia: 
"Afghan President, Hamid Karzai and the US have been in a long and bitter standoff over the Bilateral Security Agreement.
This would see several thousand US troops deployed in Afghanistan after 2014.
Mr Karzai initially endorsed the agreement, but has since declined to sign it, outraging US officials and lawmakers who have threatened a complete forces pullout.
Pentagon spokesman, Rear Admiral John Kirby says the message of the United States and its allies in Europe is clear, the Bilateral Security Agreement should be signed without any more delay."

Tony Blair Portrait

Return of the Taliban - gunmen take part in joint patrols with Afghanistan forces

Return of the Taliban - gunmen take part in joint patrols with Afghanistan forces ahead of 2015 withdrawal - Mirror Online:

"Taliban gunmen have been taking part in joint patrols with Afghan government forces in Helmand’s deadliest town.
The revelations from Sangin make a mockery of David Cameron’s overblown claim this week that it is “mission ­accomplished” in Afghanistan.
And it raised fears the Taliban will take over the country again as international troops prepare to withdraw by 2015."

NSA leaks: UK and US spying targets revealed

BBC News - NSA leaks: UK and US spying targets revealed:
"The Guardian writes that GCHQ targeted the UN development programme, Unicef, German government buildings and the EU Competition Commissioner, Joaquin Almunia.
The European Commission said in a statement that the claims, if true, "deserve our strongest condemnation".
"This is not the type of behaviour that we expect from strategic partners, let alone from our own member states."
Mr Almunia, a Spaniard, is responsible for approving mergers and investigating monopolies. He has clashed with the US firm Google."

Most Americans Say Afghan War Not Worth Fighting

Most Americans Say Afghan War Not Worth Fighting

:
"Two-thirds of Americans say the war in Afghanistan has not been worth fighting, according to a new ABC News/Washington Post poll released on Thursday, "matching peak criticism of the war in Iraq" (ABC News, Post). The poll, which was conducted from Dec. 12 to Dec. 15, found that the criticism of the war held majorities across all demographic groups, though independents and liberals (71 and 78 percent, respectively) were more critical than conservatives (61 percent). However, despite the criticism and the recent standoff between Washington and Kabul over the Bilateral Security Agreement, 55 percent favored keeping some U.S. troop presence in the country for training and counterinsurgency purposes. "

US Ignores Saudi Funding of Syrian Jihadists

Afghan Police in Arms Sales To Taliban

Afghan Police in Taleban Arms Sales - Institute for War and Peace Reporting - P142: 

"Because Ghazni, located south of the capital Kabul, is regarded as a high-risk province with Taleban units operating in many areas, government security forces deployed there are issued with extra ammunition.But these supplies are changing hands, either in straight business transactions, as “tribute” – in other words as a form of protection racket – or as a result of Taleban infiltration of the security forces.
Ahmadi noted that in one district, Andar, the police were unable to account for 60,000 rounds of various calibres – lost within a short space of time –  without apparently firing them at anyone in anger.
"It isn’t just bullets and military equipment that are being handed to our opponents in some districts, but also assorted vehicles including cars, generators and solar [panel] systems that are going to the Taleban," he added.
Hamidullah Nawrozi, a member of the provincial council, told IWPR that credible reports of arms sales had come “from different sources, on several occasions”."

Suicide Attack Kills 5 Soldiers, Wounds 34 in Pakistan

Suicide Attack Kills 5 Soldiers, Wounds 34 in Pakistan:
"The attack came in the Mir Ali area of Miranshah, the main town in the North Waziristan tribal region, a hub for Taliban and Al-Qaeda linked militants on the Afghan border.
Ansarul Mujahideen, a little-known militant group linked to the Tehreek Taliban Pakistan faction claimed the responsibility hours after the attack.
"It is revenge for the killing of Hakimullah Mehsud by a US drone," Abu Baseer, a purported spokesman of the group told AFP by telephone.
"We will continue such attacks in future as drones continue to kill our people," he said."

3 killed in Taliban attack on US base

3 killed in Taliban attack on US base - China.org.cn:
"One Afghan policeman and two attackers were killed and three policemen were injured in the attack which occurred at around 5:30 a.m. (local time), the local media quoted the Torkham police chief as saying.
Following the attack, a Taliban purported spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, claimed the responsibility for the incident.
The gunfight was going on at the time of filing this report in the province with Jalalabad city as its capital, 120 km east of Afghan capital Kabul."

Are UK Afghanistan veterans really 'proud'?

David Cameron says 'Mission Accomplished,' but are Afghanistan veterans really 'proud'? - Comment - Voices - The Independent: 
"“I think old David has been reading George Bush's autobiography again,” he quipped. “I find it hard to see we have accomplished anything.”
“Cameron,” he continues “seems to be talking about such a small percentage of the country. I know for a fact that most of the farming population in Nari Saraj, down in Helmand, have gone back to growing opium.”
He puts little stock in Cameron’s claim that basic levels of security have been established: “They have to grow opium and do what the Taliban say or starve. Once the Taliban move back into those areas, I highly doubt the corrupt local police & army are going to make much of a stand.” And his view on legacy of the war he took part in? “The only thing we accomplished was adding a few hundred names onto a wall in the National Memorial Arboretum.”"

Don’t call them drones: RAF launches charm offensive for ‘unmanned aircraft’

Made In The USA

Don’t call them drones: RAF launches charm offensive for ‘unmanned aircraft’ - Home News - UK - The Independent: 
"“remotely piloted air systems” as the military prefer to call them – have been operating out of RAF Waddington since April. Except they are not really operating out of Waddington at all – they are in Afghanistan.
They are flown from a beige metal cabin slightly smaller than a shipping container, in which are two drone “cockpits”. The makeshift building is housed in a vast aircraft hanger, separated from the rest of the space by an 8ft-high barbed wire fence. Outside the hanger is a runway – but the pilots who operate the drones will never use it.
Inside, the cabins only vaguely resemble a typical aircraft flight deck. As you walk through the door, immediately in front of you is a row of computer monitors and keyboards. At the first sits an intelligence analyst – the other two stations with “Made in the USA” stickers on their screens are empty. No-one will say what they’re for."

Camp Bastion Attack - British Officer Rejects Blame

British officer rejects blame for Camp Bastion attack that killed two US Marines - Home News - UK - The Independent: 
"Fifteen Taliban fighters were able to get past an unmanned watch tower and on to the airfield in September 2012. After five hours of fighting two US Marines lay dead, 16 soldiers were wounded and eight US planes were destroyed or damaged, the biggest loss of US aircraft in a single day since Vietnam.
Secret Isaf and US reports reveal that British officers had recommended a protective fence be built around the airfield following an earlier suicide attack. But Lt Gen Capewell said that a “ditch and berm to prevent vehicular access” had  been approved instead, and insisted that no request for extra protection had been."

Afghans launch legal action over British drone strike as experts suggest British drones heading to Africa

Afghans launch legal action over British drone strike as experts suggest British drones heading to Africa « Drone Wars UK:
 "Lawyers for the family have sent a letter before claim seeking an investigation and requesting disclosure of the RAF’s records relating to the incident. Like the other on-going drone lawsuit – launched by Repreive and Leigh Day & Co. on behalf of the family of Noor Khan – the case is likely to take some time coming to court.  The RAF told The Times that the case had little merit with one source saying dismissively the legal action had “more holes than Edam.”
Meanwhile with David Cameron visiting British forces in Afghanistan and saying ‘mission accomplished’ the UK continues to insist that no decision has been taken with regard to the future of the British Reapers currently based in Afghanistan.  While it is possible (just) that no final decision has been made, it is absolutely  impossible to believe that no plans at all have been drawn up."

Cameron rebrands failure in Afghanistan as victory

David Cameron rebrands failure in Afghanistan as victory » Spectator Blogs:

"‘The most important part of the mission … The absolute driving part of the mission is the basic level of security so that it doesn’t become a haven for terror.’
Of course the Prime Minister has to define victory like that because everything else has been such an utter and complete disaster. ‘Our man’, Hamid Karzai has, predictably enough, been stepping away from coalition forces as they themselves prepare to step away from Afghanistan next year. At the same time Karzai, like most of the rest of the parties involved, has been coming to the slow but sure realisation that the Taleban must have some role in the new Afghanistan. Which is what international troops spent much of the last decade fighting to prevent."

Afghanistan plane crash kills Six ISAF soldiers

BBC News - Afghanistan plane crash kills foreign soldiers - Isaf: 
"The cause of the crash is unknown but no enemy activity was taking place at the time of the incident, Isaf said.
The nationalities of the victims have not yet been made public."

4 Afghan soldiers killed in bomb attacks

4 Afghan soldiers killed in bomb attacks - China.org.cn:
"One army soldier was killed and five injured in similar blast in Chak district of eastern Wardak province and one army personnel was killed in an IED attack in eastern Kapisa province, the statement said.
The Taliban insurgent group has launched massive IED attacks against security forces in recent years."

Mali et Centrafrique : Kofi Annan "félicite" la France

Mali et Centrafrique : Kofi Annan "félicite" la... by lemondefr

Last Australian Troops Leave Afghanistan

Last of Australian combat troops leave Afghanistan - Khaleej Times: 
"Some 400 Australians will remain in Afghanistan in non-combat roles, mostly in Kabul and Kandahar, but the bulk of the 1,550 Australians who had been serving there were now out of the country.
“None of them are expected to be involved in combat,” Abbott said of those remaining to work with the Afghan police and army.
Asked whether he was confident local authorities could take over security, Abbott said Australians troops were happy with the progress made by the Afghan National Army (ANA) brigade they had mentored."

ANA in Action - Not Impressive

RAW VIDEO: Taliban Attacks Military Convoy by tvnportal

Officials: 4 killed in roadside bombing in eastern Afghanistan

Officials: 4 killed in roadside bombing in eastern Afghanistan; suicide bomber attacks office:
"In neighbouring Nangarhar province, a government spokesman said a suicide bomber attacked an intelligence service office Sunday near the border with Pakistan, shooting and wounding a guard before detonating his explosives. Ahmad Zia Abdulzai, a spokesman for Nangarhar provincial governor, said two intelligence service officials were wounded and the building was damaged by the blast.

Obama's War And The Failure of the Drones

Many Pakistanis view the strikes as a continuation of colonial manipulation in South Asia. To many, the sustained drone campaign inside Pakistan characteristically synchronizes with and reminiscent of the meddlesome and manipulative policies of the British rule before independence and thereafter America’s self-serving and selective support to Pakistan’s successive dictators especially during Soviet occupation of Afghanistan.

The resentment has burned even more vigorously since the US-led coalition forces launched a military campaign in Afghanistan in the wake of 9/11 attacks throwing the sensitive political, social and cultural alignment between Pakistan and Afghanistan into disarray. Pashtun majority straddling the border along Pakistan’s treacherous tribal belt found itself increasingly cornered over questions of loyalty to its Afghan kinship and acquiescing to Islamabad, which has thrown its support behind the US in its war on terror.

Pakistan’s decision to ally with Washington has severely divided the country in the wake of mounting civilian deaths in US-led missions both in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Most recently, the May 2011 Navy SEALS raid on Abbotabad was widely seen as a violation of Pakistan’s national sovereignty, and the Obama administration's constant demands on Pakistani military to move more decisively against the Taliban have been counterproductive. MORE

Killing sparks fears for safety of 600 Afghan interpreters

Killing sparks fears for safety of 600 Afghan interpreters:
"They also confirmed that one interpreter had returned to his home town in another province and been shot dead in what is suspected to be a Taliban revenge attack.
Fairfax Media is aware of the man's name and the location of the killing but is not publishing the details to protect his family.
One interpreter who spoke on condition of anonymity, said he and his colleagues were now mostly in hiding trying to keep a low profile in the hope they will survive until they get visas.
"It is very dangerous at the moment. I try not to go out and I stay inside with my family. I'm very worried but I know the Australian embassy is trying to get us out,'' he said by telephone from a major city outside of Uruzgan."

3 Police Killed In Ghazni Explosion

"A mine planted by the militants struck a police vehicle in Shahbaz area in the outskirts of provincial capital the Ghazni city at around 11:00 am local time, leaving three personnel of Public Order Police martyred and injured two others," Assadullah Insafi told Xinhua" LINK

Afghan president says does not trust US

Afghan president says does not 'trust' US - Yahoo News:
"Karzai was speaking on the second day of a three-day visit to India during which the United States hopes New Delhi can persuade him to sign the troubled troop deal.
Karzai, who is due to stand down after elections next year, initially endorsed the so-called Bilateral Security Agreement, or BSA.
But he later said the agreement could only be signed after the presidential election in April, warning against a NATO presence if it just meant "more bombs and killings"."

Iran Captures MI6 Spy

BBC News - Iran claims to have captured MI6 spy: 
"The news comes as Iran and Britain take steps to try to re-establish diplomatic relations.
Britain shut down its Tehran embassy in 2011 after it was stormed in a protest over British nuclear sanctions."

Pentagon Budget

Missing American Is CIA Spy

US Marine Killed Was First December NATO Casualty

Bay State Marine dies in Afghanistan combat | Boston Herald:
"Lance Cpl. Matthew Rodriguez of Fairhaven died Wednesday during combat operations in Helmand Province, the Defense Department said.
Rodriguez was assigned to the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force based in Camp Pendleton, Calif.
The Marine Corps said Rodriguez enlisted in August 2012, and has been awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and NATO Medal-International Security Assistance Force Afghanistan."

Accidental blast in Kabul's arms depot

Accidental blast in Kabul's arms depot | News24: 
"The loud blast erupted close to the Nato's International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) headquarters and in an area of the capital that houses many embassies and international institutions.
ISAF confirmed that the blast occurred outside their headquarters, while the US embassy sounded its emergency "duck and cover" sirens to warn employees to seek shelter.
"It was an accident, not an enemy act," Lutfullah Mashal, an official from the national directorate of security (NDS) intelligence agency, told AFP.
"The blast happened in a depot for unexploded ordinance. It was totally an accident. There are no reported casualties, but there are some damages.""

Karzai Calls It Like It Is

Hamid Karzaï : «The United States behaves in Afghanistan like a colonial power»:
Do you believe the USA sometimes behaves like an adversary ?

Attacking Afghan homes is an act of aggression. Launching a psychological war on Afghan people is an act of aggression.

What do you mean by a psychological war ?

A psychological war is a war against our economy, a war that encourages companies to leave Afghanistan, that encourages money to leave Afghanistan, that frightens Afghan's of the consequences of an American departure, is all this not psychological war ?

Do you think this is the outcome of deliberate American propaganda ?

Absolutely, this is the outcome of American state propaganda. Without a doubt. If I were not sure of all these things, I would not have been so adamant in my demands."

'via Blog this'

Court Says Germany Not Responsible in 2009 Kunduz Attack

Court Says Germany Not Responsible for Damages in Afghanistan Attack - SPIEGEL ONLINE:
"In September 2009, two tanker trucks that had been hijacked by members of the Taliban were bombed at the request of Germany's armed forces, the Bundeswehr, by two American fighter jets. The Bundeswehr believes that 91 people died in the incident. NATO stated in a report that it believes there were 142 dead or injured. Lawyers working on behalf of the victims claim 137 people died. What is certain is that it was one of the most devastating attacks linked to German troops since the end of World War II."

Taliban Rocket Attack Kills 6 Afghans

 
Taliban rocket attack kills 6 Afghans | Shanghai Daily: 
"Six innocent civilians were martyred as a rocket fired by Taliban militants slammed into a house in Balamirghab district last night killing six innocent civilians," the statement added.
Without giving more details, the Interior Ministry in the statement condemned the incident and expressed sympathy with families of the victims.
Taliban militants have yet to make any comment.
In another violent incident, three children were killed and another injured as an explosive device went off in the northern Saripul province on Monday."

US Spends $1 Billion on Russian Helicopters for Afghan Military: Why?

Mish's Global Economic Trend Analysis: US Spends $1 Billion on Russian Helicopters for Afghan Military: Why?: 
Another study shows the Chinook was found to be "the most cost-effective single platform type fleet for the Afghan Air Force over a twenty year" period.
This has the Christian Science Monitor and many others asking Why is US buying Russian helicopters for Afghan military?

Obama Schmoozes The Marines

Suspect most of those looking on are actually actors.

Time To Leave

Time to Leave Afghanistan: Hamid Karzai Gives Washington a Welcome Shove | Doug Bandow: 

"Afghanistan never was vital to America. Not even during the Cold War. After the Soviet invasion in December 1979 the conflict offered a convenient and inexpensive (for Washington, not the Afghan people) opportunity to bleed Moscow dry. Less then a decade later Soviet forces withdrew.
he U.S. government has been criticized for then losing interest in the struggle, but there was little Washington could have done. The civil war continued. There was no peace to keep and only direct military intervention could have imposed one. America had neither cause nor ability to do so.
Osama Bin Laden again focused U.S. attention on Afghanistan, but only the transitory terrorist connection made control of Kabul critical to America. With the displacement of al Qaeda and punishment of the Taliban, Afghanistan quickly receded in importance. Observed Biden: "we went there for one reason: to get those people who killed Americans, al Qaeda. We've decimated al Qaeda central. We have eliminated Osama bin Laden. That was our purpose.""

Hagel Lands in Afghanistan Amid Chaos Over Security

LINK:
"Hagel's unannounced visit on Saturday lands him in the center of the chaos, but he has no plans to meet with Karzai and may have little impact on the matter during his stopover.
The U.S. has made its position on the security agreement clear and Karzai has tentatively endorsed the deal. Still, he refuses to sign it after it was approved by a council of tribal elders known as the Loya Jirga. The council said the agreement with the U.S. should be signed by the end of December, as U.S. officials have demanded."

Drones alternative to boots on ground: US lawmaker

Drones alternative to boots on ground: US lawmaker - DAWN.COM:
"WASHINGTON, Dec 6: Drones are an alternative to boots on the ground and will continue to be used in the war against 'terrorists', says Congressman Steve Chabot.
Mr Chabot, who heads the House Subcommittee for Asia and the Pacific, also believes that the United States and Pakistan should “maintain a long-term relationship” as it’s in the interest of both to do so. The Republican congressman was one of more than 20 US lawmakers who attended a daylong meeting on the Hill organised by an advocacy group of Pakistani-American physicians.
The main objective of the meeting was to support a reform bill that seeks to make it easier for foreign doctors to study, train and work in the United States."

Afghan war film: From Operation Cyclone to Operation Enduring Freedom

Afghan war film: From Operation Cyclone to Operation Enduring Freedom - eTurboNews.com:

Enduring Freedom From The Skies

"“Afghanistan is flourishing, girls are going to schools with smile on their faces, the economy is stable and the tolerance level in society is normal, and foreigners and non-Muslims are living in Kabul without any fears.” Do not get excited, I am not talking about today’s Afghanistan. In the late 60s and early 70s, you could see American schools working in Kabul, foreigners shopping in bazaars (markets) of Kabul without Islamic hijab or canopy-like Burkas. People used to travel to Kabul to see the first show of Indian movies, and there were 2 flights every day from Delhi to Kabul airport. These are bygone days—days before the Russo-Afghan war and Islamization of society allegedly injected by the United States to bog down Russia in Kabul. Yes, Russia was bogged down by US-sponsored Mujahideen (worriers of Allah) and then Mujahideen were bogged down by Taliban, and then Taliban were bogged down by ISAF forces."

4 Military Suicides in Two Weeks as Canadian family says goodbye to Afghan vet

Michael McNeil's family says goodbye to Afghan war vet - Nova Scotia - CBC News: 
"Loved ones gathered in Truro, N.S., on Thursday to say goodbye to the Afghanistan war veteran after his body was found at CFB Petawawa on Nov. 27.
McNeil was 39. His was one of four apparent military suicides in two weeks.
Barry Mellish said his nephew was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after his last tour in Afghanistan, but his death came as a shock.
"He seemed to be a very strong individual. He was always there to help anybody else who was down or worried. He was the first one to stand up," he said. "Michael was a helper.
"I never once dreamed he'd do something like this."
McNeil is survived by three children and one stepson."

Advance of Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL)

While constant conflict and shifting alliances mean Syria is a long way from becoming a center for global jihad, Western and Arab states backing moderate opponents of Assad are alarmed.
The ISIL is taking over supply lines to rebel areas and attracting members of less organized opposition units by its efficiency, undermining efforts by Washington to contain it ahead of talks in Geneva on a possible peace deal, opposition sources and Middle East security officials say.
As well as an end to Assad's rule, a key aim of such a deal would be to establish a government and moderate army capable of fighting off the ISIL, a Middle East-based diplomat said.
"Realistically it will be very difficult. We could be looking at a proxy sectarian war - whether Assad stays or goes - in which the ISIL will be a major player."

Marine Who Murdered Afghan Prisoner Named

A judge has ruled that the anonymity of the Royal Marine convicted of murdering a seriously injured Afghan insurgent can be lifted.
The commando, known as Marine A during the court martial, has been named as Sergeant Alexander Blackman.
Two other servicemen who were acquitted, known as Marines B and C, can also be named, the judges ruled.

US/NATO Get Desperate And Petulant

'Man The Boats, Save Everything You Can'

Afghan defense minister could sign US security deal, says Kerry - Khaama Press (KP) | Afghan News Agency: 
"Kerry also said that all NATO foreign ministers have expressed their support to the bilateral security agreement, and somebody from the government of Afghanistan or the Afghan defense minister can sign it.
“I think it is important for the agreement to try to move forward. It doesn’t have to be pres(ident),” Kerry quoted by Reuters said.
“You know, his minister of defense (Bismullah Khan Mohammadi) can sign it, the government can sign it, somebody can accept responsibility for this,” Kerry said."

Afghanistan As Corrupt as North Korea and Somalia

Taliban and Afghan Forces Suffer Heavy Losses in Badghis Province

The officials further added that nearly 100 Taliban militants were killed or injured during the clashes which took place in Bala Morghab district during the past three days. 
A local security official in Badghis province confirming the report said nearly 20 Afghan national security forces were also killed during the clashes MORE.

Afghan Children Studying at Refugee Camp In Nangarhar

PHOTO: Afghan children study at a refugee camp on the outskirts of Jalalabad, Nangarhar province pic.twitter.com/EBeNjLFOf4

— Agence France-Presse (@AFP) December 2, 2013

Truck Bomb Kills Four Afghan Police

Truck Bomb Kills Four Afghan Police: 
Four Afghan police officers have been killed and 17 people injured by a suicide truck bomber in eastern Afghanistan.
District police chief Abdul Ghafour was among those injured on December 2.
Four of the injured are reported to be in critical condition.
The attack occurred at the entrance of a district police base in Wardak Province, southwest of Kabul.
Reports say the attacker detonated a small truck packed with explosives as worshippers gathered at the base's mosque for morning prayers.

Karzai says US cutting supplies to put pressure on security pact

Hamid Karzai says US cutting supplies to put pressure on security pact: 
"On Sunday Dianne Feinstein, the chair of the US Senate intelligence committee, had strong words for Afghanistan's president over his refusal to sign the deal. Feinstein, appearing on CNN's State of the Union talkshow, said she thinks Hamid Karzai "is such a cipher" and added that Karzai was "so much the victim of what thought occurs to him right at the moment based on some anger that he feels about something that may not even be related".
In Kabul, the issue was raised during a Sunday meeting of the Afghan national security council.
"The meeting concluded that the cutting of fuel supplies and support services to the Afghan army and police is being used as a means of pressure to ensure Afghanistan … signs the Bilateral Security Agreement [BSA] with the US," said a statement from the presidential palace."