Civilian casualties continue to mar Afghanistan war effort
In Afghanistan, officials said that 27 people were killed last night in Uruzgan province, when NATO aircraft fired on what was believed to be a convoy of insurgents. It turned out that the people were all civilians, including women and children. For more on the civilian toll in Afghanistan, Martin Savidge interviews Alex Thier, and James Bays reports for Al Jazeera English.
Cyber-security risks test U.S. government preparedness
We take a look beyond the headlines at increasing concerns over cyber-security, a problem that was recently highlighted by an online assault on Google from China. This event added to fears about a digital attack that could cripple the information superhighway. For more, Martin Savidge interviews James Lewis.
Weekly W. Bank protest in Bil’in celebrates 5th anniversary
Every Friday since 2005, Palestinian protesters have rallied in the town of Bil’in against the barrier erected by the Israeli government that effectively cuts off Palestinians there from their agricultural land. Last Friday, the fifth anniversary of the Bil'in demonstrations, Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad joined 1,000 marchers. Read different perspectives on the protests.
U.S. and allied forces dig in for long haul in Helmand
General David Petraeus, the commander who oversees the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, said yesterday that the Marjah battle was the opening salvo in a broader campaign to turn back the Taliban, which could last 12 to 18 months. On NBC's "Meet the Press," he described the Taliban as both "formidable" and "a bit disjointed at this point."
Week in Review: Afghanistan and Pakistan
There was a major blow to the Taliban with the arrests of three senior leaders in Pakistan, including the number-two Afghan Taliban official. While this was a victory for U.S. and Pakistani intelligence, it was also a reminder of how the Taliban have used Pakistan as a base. Joining Daljit Dhaliwal to talk about the Marjah offensive and more are Gideon Rose and Susan Chira.
Military coup wrests Niger’s president from power
In Niger, known for its uranium and poverty, the military is in charge after a coup that removed the civilian leader. The president was taken into custody after soldiers attacked the presidential palace in Niamey. His whereabouts are unknown. The deposed leader had rolled back democratic gains and tried to extend his own power. Deutsche Welle reports.
New info surfaces about Iran nukes and dissent crackdown
Citing intelligence from the U.S., Israel and other countries, the IAEA said new information "raises concerns." France and Germany have threatened new sanctions against Iran. In recent months, Iran has been strongly criticized for a growing dissent crackdown. For more on where Iran is headed, Daljit Dhaliwal interviews Karim Sadjadpour.
Chinese media fault Obama for meeting with Dalai Lama
China continues to criticize the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader's visit to Washington. China's state-controlled media claims the Obama administration used the meeting to divert attention from economic and political challenges at home. As the English-language channel of China's state television reports, the meeting was damaging to U.S.-China relations.
NATO’s new Afghanistan strategy focuses on Marjah
This week, NATO launched a large operation to take the Taliban-controlled town of Marjah, as part of its new counter-insurgency strategy. NATO hopes to wipe out the Taliban presence in this part of Helmand province, clearing the way for the Afghan government to take control. Daljit Dhaliwal interviews Marvin Weinbaum, and James Bays of Al Jazeera English has more.
U.S-China relations chill further over Tibetan question
Disputes surrounding U.S. military support for Taiwan, internet freedoms and currency appreciation have created tension between the two countries in recent months. Washington's Tibetan community is reportedly proud that their spiritual leader was invited to the White House, but many have played down the visit. Here's more from our German partner Deutsche Welle.
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