Afghanistan

M. Shahid Alam

More than eight years after dismantling the Taliban, the United States is still mired in Afghanistan. Indeed, last October it launched a much-hyped ‘surge’ to prevent a second Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, not imminent yet, but eminently possible.

The first dismantling of the Taliban was a cakewalk.

In 2001, the United States quickly and decisively defeated the Taliban, killed, captured or scattered their fighters, and handed over the running of Afghanistan to their rivals, mostly Uzbeks and Tajiks from the Northern Alliance.

Unaware of Pashtoon history, American commentators were pleased at the smashing victory of their military, convinced that they had consigned the Taliban to history’s graveyard.

Emir deserves the Nobel Peace Prize

By Sherida S J al-Kaabi/Doha

HH the Emir: peace efforts

Each year the Norwegian Nobel Committee awards the Nobel Prize to geniuses who excel in various fields of science as well as to a person who has contributed extensively to the maintenance of international peace and security. US President Barack Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2009.

In spite of my full appreciation of the large role played by President
Sherida S J al-Kaabi

Looks like this weekend is getting some pretty bad earthquakes.
There was a massive earthquake in Chile.
Now there are reports of earthquake in Afghanistan and Pakistan originating at Hindukush Mountains 6.2 in the richter scale.

http://www.hindustan...

Afghan's were much better during Taliban's period!
Nato strike kills a number of Afghanistan civilians
At least 33 civilians were killed in a Nato air strike in southern Afghanistan on Sunday, the Afghan government says.
Nato said it hit a suspected insurgent convoy, but ground forces later found "a number of individuals killed and wounded", including women and children.
Civilian deaths in air strikes have caused widespread resentment in Afghanistan, and embarrassment to Nato.
A Lame Excuse
A Nato statement said it was thought the convoy contained Taliban insurgents on their way to attack Afghan and foreign military forces.
DEADLIEST AFGHAN AIR STRIKES
Sep 2009: Up to 140 civilians die in Kunduz province

The biggest capture since the start of the "War" in Afghanistan...

Top Taleban commander Mullah Baradar captured in Pakistan

The Afghan Taleban's top military commander has been captured in Karachi in a secret raid by Pakistani and US intelligence forces.

Pakistan confirmed this morning that Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, described as the most significant Taleban figure captured since the start of the Afghanistan war, was arrested in a slum predominantly populated by Afghan and Pakistani Pashtuns last week.

Mullah Baradar, who is deputy to Mullah Omar, the Afghan Taleban's supreme commander, had regularly visited Karachi, which Pakistani and Western intelligence agencies believe has become a major haven for the Afghan Taleban leadership.

For anyone who has been following Afghanistan at all during the past decade and a half, that's not a trick question. In ABC/BBC/ARD national public opinion poll in Afghanistan, released in February 2009. Question #38 asked: “Now I’m going to ask what you think about some people and groups. Is your opinion of [INSERT] very favorable, somewhat favorable, somewhat unfavorable, or very unfavorable?”

The results (with some details omitted):

a. The Taliban: Favorable 7 | Unfavorable 91
b. Osama Bin Laden: Favorable 6 | Unfavorable 92
c. The United States: Favorable 47 | Unfavorable 52
d. Pakistan: Favorable 8 | Unfavorable 91
e. Great Britain: Favorable 39 | Unfavorable 54
f. Iran: Favorable 57 | Unfavorable 40
g. Germany: Favorable 61 | Unfavorable 31

Don't freak out, it is just a game of cricket.. What were you thinking :P

Afghanistan v USA, World Twenty20 Qualifiers
Afghanistan beat USA to progress

Cricinfo staff

February 11, 2010

Cheered on by a vocal crowd of over 1,000, Afghanistan continued their superb form in this tournament, sealing a 29-run victory over USA to maintain their unbeaten run and secure passage to the Super Fours. After the early loss of Mohammad Shahzad, Afghanistan's top five rallied to post 135 for 4. Shapoor Zadran's miserly opening spell pegged USA back in the first five overs, and once again Hamid Hassan was in the wickets, picking up three today in another emphatic win.

http://www.cricinfo....

Several posts in QL that Pakistan beat India in SAG Cricket/Hockey & India beat Pakistan in SAG football. The final result is Bangladesh won the Gold Madel in SAG Football beating Afghanistan & won the gold madel in cricket(U-21, T20) by beating Sri Lanka. In Hockey Pakistan won the gold madel by beating India in penalty.