In multiple attacks across Afghanistan's restive Helmand Province, Afghan and coalition forces reportedly killed 88 militants. Six Afghan police also died in the conflict. As is often the case, Taliban forces disputed the toll, claiming they had killed 12 police and...
US, Iraqi Negotiators Finalize SOFA, Pact Still Faces Long Road to Final Approval
US and Iraqi officials say that the final draft of the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) has been completed, and has been submitted to Iraq's political leadership for a long, arduous approval process. While the overall terms of the agreement were not publicly...
NIE Paints “Very Bleak” Pakistan Picture
As Pakistan observes "Defence Day," the United States is putting the finishing touches on a National Intelligence Estimate on Pakistan. And while much as the NIE on Afghanistan the document is expected to remain classified, those privy to the contents of the document...
Russia, Georgia to Hold Dueling Peace Talks as Planned Meeting Collapses
Updated 10/15 11:40 AM EST Peace talks planned for today in Geneva between Russia and Georgia have broken down after Russia refused to attend. Abkhazian Foreign Minister Sergei Chamba says there will now be two separate Geneva meetings, one for Russia and its allies...
As Taliban Influence Grows, ‘Shadow Government’ Seems an Increasingly Viable Option to Afghans
While coalition forces continue to kill militants in the provinces south of Kabul, the resilient Taliban forces continue to expand their influence in the area. Their presence is so overwhelming in some areas that they're set up their own 'shadow government' with its...
With SOFA Looking Increasing Unlikely, Will UN Renew Mandate?
Last week, Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte described the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) with Iraq as "close" and Iraqi President Jalal Talabani said he was confident that the deal would be reached, citing 'good concessions' made by the US on certain key...
EU Struggles to Reach Consensus on Russia Ahead of Summit
While European Union monitors have confirmed that Russia completed their withdrawal from buffer zones outside of South Ossetia and Abkhazia under the terms of last month's agreement, the EU has not resumed negotiations on the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement...
Returning Displaced Still Face Violence in “Safer” Iraq
With violence in Iraq on the decline, many in the administration have been quick to take credit for the "success" in Iraq, claiming that the military surge was responsible for making Iraq a safer place to live. But amid all the self-congratulatory pats on the back,...
Gen. Odierno Accuses Iran of Bribery in Attempt to Foil SOFA
An an interview US commander in Iraq General Ray Odierno has accused Iran of "coming in to pay off people to vote against" the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) and using Saddam-era contact "to attempt to influence the outcome of the potential vote." The accusation...
North Korea to Restart Dismantling Yongbyon
In a stunning 180 degree turn after weeks of increasing tensions between North Korea and the US and reports that North Korea was preparing to restart its Yongbyon nuclear facility, the source of the plutonium for its 2006 nuclear test explosion, North Korea has...