Author: Kathy Gannon
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Afghans plan dramatic increase in security forces
KABUL — The Afghan government and its international partners agreed Wednesday to significantly increase the country’s security forces and outlined plans to lure Taliban militants from the fight in a bid to turn the tide of the war. A joint panel of officials from Afghanistan, the U.N. and troop-contributing nations approved plans to train more…
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Karzai extends olive branch to Taliban
KABUL — A confident President Hamid Karzai on Monday offered peace talks to Taliban militants if they renounce violence and called for a new relationship with the West if he wins a second term in next month’s presidential election. Karzai is considered the favorite in the Aug. 20 vote. But his chances could hinge on…
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Taliban leader killed by own man
PESHAWAR, Pakistan – The assassination of the leader of a renegade Pakistani Taliban faction by one of his own men Tuesday underscores a growing rift in the ranks of the militant group as it braces for an impending army assault in the volatile northwest.Qari Zainuddin’s killing sets back government hopes of exploiting these internal divisions…