Afghanistan War News Updates -- December 4, 2012

A coalition force member maintains security during a medical evacuation in Afghanistan's Farah province, Nov. 24, 2012. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Pete Thibodeau

U.S. Pushes To Restart Peace Talks With Taliban -- Washington Post

The Obama administration has launched a post-election push to restart moribund peace talks with the Taliban, despite resistance from the U.S. military, mixed signals from Pakistan and outright refusal by the militants themselves, according to U.S. officials.

Senior White House and State Department officials reiterated the administration’s negotiating position — including its willingness to exchange prisoners with the Taliban — to a reluctant Defense Department at a meeting of national security deputies two weeks ago.

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More News On Afghanistan

ISAF Joint Command operational update, Dec 4 -- ISAF
Combined Force Arrests Taliban Leader in Balkh Province -- US Department of Defense
Bomb attack in southern Afghanistan kills 2 NATO service members -- Washington Post/AP
Two NATO Soldiers Killed In Southern Afghanistan -- RTT
Bomb Kills NATO-Led Troops In Southern Afghanistan -- Radio Free Europe
Cross-border attacks from Afghanistan -- DAWN
Roadside bombs taking a toll on Afghan soldiers, police -- Stars and Stripes
Afghan forces' casualties rise -- SFGate/AP
Afghan government: Coalition cannot arrest, detain Afghans -- Stars and Stripes
Marine special operator given Navy Cross for actions in Afghanistan -- AP
Senate OKs Obama's choice for Afghan commander -- AP
An Afghanistan war insider attack -- Politico/AP
Obama thanks NATO-partner Bulgaria for efforts in Afghanistan -- Washington Post/AP
Bulgaria has been a strong supporter of the efforts in Afghanistan, says Obama -- Examiner
Attacks on Afghan women becoming more brutal -- Kansas City/Institute on War and Reporting
Reports of violence against women continue in Afghanistan -- Xinhuanet
Afghanistan’s first female rapper won’t be deterred by death threats -- New York Daily News
If we betray Afghan women, the Taliban win -- Daisy Khan, Special to CNN
In Afghanistan, Humor Finds Its Way in Lost Translation -- New York Times
Fliers, airfields always on alert in Afghanistan -- Delaware Online
Pakistan's Endgame in Afghanistan? -- Aparna Pande, Huffington Post
Risk at heart of debate on withdrawal from Afghanistan -- Lolita C. Baldor, AP