Afghanistan War News Updates -- March 5, 2010

SEEING GREEN - U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class James Lee provides aerial security from the rear door of a CH-47 Chinook helicopter over Khost province, Afghanistan, Feb. 24, 2010. Lee, an aerial gunner, is assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 169 Aviation Regiment. Chinook helicopters are one of the primary air platforms for moving troops and supplies throughout Afghanistan. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Stephen J. Otero

Afghanistan War: NATO Unfolds Blueprint To Rebuild Marjah -- Christian Science Monitor

Western and Afghan officials have outlined ambitious plans for a new Marjah that include erecting new schools, reforming the police force, and upending the drug trade. Rebuilding Marjah and other towns is now seen as critical to NATO's Afghanistan war strategy.

Lashkar Gah, Afghanistan

Long before Marjah was dragged from sleepy anonymity into one of NATO’s biggest offensives in its nine-year war against the Taliban in Afghanistan, Western governance experts had begun drawing up the town’s future.

Down white-tiled corridors and behind code-locked doors on their base in Helmand Province, a handful of American and British officials planned for months how to turn this swath of irrigation ditches and mud compounds, ruled for two years by Taliban militants and crime syndicates, into a beacon of peace and prosperity.

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More News On Afghanistan

Three NATO soldiers die in Afghanistan -- AFP
After Marja, ‘Kandahar Will be Next,’ Mullen Says -- US Department of Defense
US forces face scepticism after taking Afghan town -- ABC News (Australia)
Marines face skepticism after taking Afghan town -- Reuters
On Assignment: Into the Maw at Marja -- New York Times
US Marines: Taliban Insurgents Mostly Cleared from Marja -- Voice of America
NATO forces close to victory in Afghanistan: Gen. Petraeus -- One India
Taliban bombs still a problem for US-led troops in Marjah -- Daily Times

US commander to get more Afghan authority -- AFP
US Afghan general is given expanded authority -- BBC
U.S. commander in Afghanistan gets more authority -- Reuters

McChrystal bans night raids without Afghan troops -- Washington Post/Reuters
NATO releases parts of new rules for night raids on Afghanistan homes -- Canadian Press
NATO details its Afghan night raids policy -- AP

NATO: Afghanistan is model for future crises -- AP
Former Gitmo detainee said running Afghan battles -- AP
Departing U.N. Envoy Urges Political Solution in Afghanistan -- New York Times
Departing U.N. envoy has strong words for Afghan government -- L.A. Times
Afghans' long battle against drugs -- Al Jazeera
Afghanistan launches poppy eradication programme -- AFP
Brickbatting Helmand -- Registan
Afghanistan to block some Internet sites: minister -- Yahoo News/AFP