Latest News

Pakistan released eight more members of Afghanistan’s Taliban movement, including former regional governors and ministers, as it bids to help create conditions for substantial negotiations with insurgents.

Those freed from detention included Abdul Bari, former governor of southern Helmand province, ex-justice minister Nooruddin Turabi, and Mullah Daud Jan, former governor of Kabul, the foreign office said in a statement last night. U.S. forces ousted the Taliban government led by Mullah Mohammad Omar in 2001. Omar is believed is based in Pakistan. Former deputy leader and top military commander Abdul Ghani Baradar, detained in 2010 in Karachi, was not among those released.

Read more ....


North Florida private killed in Afghanistan -- Miami Herald
Afghan soldiers attack Spanish troops in Herat province -- Khaama Press
Taliban leader killed in Afghanistan -- DNA
Taliban leader Nurullah Khan killed in Kunduz province -- Khaama Press
Combined Force Arrests Taliban Leader -- US Department of Defense
Pakistan fire 12 missiles in Kunar, 4 killed or injured -- Khaama Press
Policeman wreaks revenge on Taliban bombers who tried to bribe him -- The Australian

Next phase of Afghan security takeover starts in 2 months, to cover 87 percent of population -- Washington Post/AP
Kabul Announces Fourth Stage Security Transition -- Voice of America
Afghans prepping to take on more security -- UPI
Panetta says Afghan announcement on security transfer is a sign of war progress -- Washington Post/AP

Afghan negotiator hopes release of 8 Taliban prisoners by Pakistan will further peace process -- Washington Post/AP
Pakistan releases more Afghan Taliban members: official -- Reuters
Report: Afghan Taliban ex-minister released -- UPI
Pakistan Releases More Afghan Taliban Prisoners -- Voice of America
Afghans say prisoner releases offer peace hopes -- AFP
Top Afghan negotiator optimistic over peace process -- Khaama Press

Saakashvili visits Georgian troops in Afghanistan on New Year -- Kyiv Post
US family seeks pregnant daughter missing in Afghanistan -- The Guardian
Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Mohammed Omar - Fast Facts -- CNN
Afghanistan’s Roadmap to the Past -- Sarah Chayes, Carnegie Endowment