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New Atlanticist

Jan 21, 2009

Fulfilling Iraqi and Afghan Dreams and Wishes

By Shuja Nawaz

Although it may surprise many insular people in the United States, the people of Iraq and Afghanistan and the region they inhabit want nothing more than what most Americans dream of. They want peace, a chance to raise their children with good healthcare and education, and an ability to earn a decent living. They do […]

Afghanistan

New Atlanticist

Jan 13, 2009

UK: Pakistan Government Not Behind Mumbai Attacks

By James Joyner

David Miliband has absolved the Pakistani government of direct responsibility for the Mumbai terrorist attacks, while at the same time saying they need to do more to crack down on those responsible.

India United Kingdom

New Atlanticist

Jan 12, 2009

Pakistan Adrift, Washington Afraid

By Jeffrey Lightfoot

Pakistan is adrift, and Washington is gripped with worry over the competence and prospects of Pakistan’s civilian government. The United States and Pakistan are caught in a dangerous spiral where Pakistani inactivity and incompetence lead to more heavy-handed U.S. policies, which stirs up more anti-Americanism among the Pakistani public.

Pakistan

New Atlanticist

Jan 9, 2009

Marriot Bombing Planner Killed in CIA Strike

By James Joyner

The head of  al Qaeda in Pakistan was killed last week, Joby Warrick reports on page 1 of today’s WaPo. A New Year’s Day CIA strike in northern Pakistan killed two top al-Qaeda members long sought by the United States, including the man believed to be behind September’s deadly suicide bombing at a Marriott hotel […]

Pakistan

New Atlanticist

Dec 29, 2008

A Marshall Plan for Afghanistan?

By James Joyner

Former Afghan finance minister Ashraf Ghani — a member of the Atlantic Council’s International Advisory Board — calls for a Marshall Plan for his country in an op-ed in today’s Independent.   He argues that “The Obama Presidency provides a second chance to get Afghanistan right” and that the way to turn around this failed state […]

Afghanistan

New Atlanticist

Dec 28, 2008

Taliban Shadow Government Nears Kabul

By James Joyner

The Taliban is in de facto control of an increasing part of Afghanistan, Jason Straziuso and Amir Shah report for the AP. The Taliban has long operated its own shadow government in the most dangerous parts of Afghanistan, but its power is now spreading north to the doorstep of Kabul, according to Associated Press interviews […]

Afghanistan

New Atlanticist

Dec 27, 2008

Pakistan Readies for War with India

By James Joyner

Pakistan is reportedly moving large numbers of troops to its border with India and canceling leave for soldiers.  At the same time, however, it is signaling that it wishes very much to avoid war.

Pakistan
STOCK India-Pakistan

New Atlanticist

Dec 26, 2008

Pakistan Scales Down Anti-Terrorist Operations

By James Joyner

Pakistan has diverted troops away from anti-terrorist operations in order to safeguard against an attack from India.  Meanwhile, India and Saudi Arabia are calling for “joint action” against terrorists.  BBC: The Pakistani military has scaled down its operations against Islamist militants in the north-west following tensions with India, officials say.

Pakistan
STOCK - Afghanistan

New Atlanticist

Dec 23, 2008

U.S. Will Fund Militias in Afghanistan

By Peter Cassata

Echoing similar measures used in Iraq, the U.S. will begin funding militias in remote areas of Afghanistan to help fight the Taliban. 

Afghanistan

New Atlanticist

Dec 23, 2008

India-Pakistan Walking Line Between War and Peace

By James Joyner

India is playing it close to the vest with information on last month’s deadly terrorist attacks in Mumbai.  Interpol secretary general Ronald Nobel says that his agency has been kept out of the loop, BBC reports.

India

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