23 Sep
Events of Interest and Analyses, A Foreign Perspective
Karzai was ‘diagnosed with manic depression’, new book on war claims
Rupert Cornwell: Obama’s distrust for Afghan President and his agonising search for a way out are revealed by Bob Woodward……………………………………
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Evolution of malaria is traced back to greatest ape
Steve Connor: Research may open new avenues of study to halt disease…………………………………………………
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How the CIA ran a secret army of 3,000 assassins
Thursday, 23 September 2010
The US Central Intelligence Agency is running and paying for a secret 3,000-strong army of Afghan paramilitaries whose main aim is assassinating Taliban and al-Qa’ida operatives not just in Afghanistan but across the border in neighbouring Pakistan’s tribal areas, according to Bob Woodward’s explosive book………………………..
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UK fends off oil drilling scrutiny
German attempt to introduce independent reviewing of 15 nations’ drilling practices appears to be quashed …………………………….
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Afghanistan elections ‘more violent’ than last year’s presidential poll
Embarrassment for US-led coalition force after figures show insurgent attacks increased by more than a third…………………………….
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Ahmadinejad softening his stance on nuclear development
A combination of international sanctions and domestic unrest is pushing Iran towards greater co-operation with western powers
International sanctions and domestic strife have forced Mahmoud Ahmadinejad into conciliation with the west over his nuclear ambitions. Photograph: Abedin Taherkenareh/EPAIntensifying economic difficulties at home, bitter factional infighting, and a regional power balance that is shifting to Iran’s disadvantage are among the factors currently pushing Tehran towards resumed nuclear negotiations with the western powers. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is an oddball among international leaders. But Iran’s president is still a politician at heart – and after a fairly disastrous 12 months following last year’s disputed elections, he badly needs a win…………………………
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Peace talks and war fever
With stuttering peace talks and growing ‘bomb Iran’ rhetoric, a reasoned approach to the Middle East is a pre-requisite……………………………………
