Afghanistan War News Updates -- March 9, 2010

TWO LEADERS - U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates meets with U.S. Army Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, commander of International Security Assistance Force and U.S. Forces in Afghanistan, and other security force members in Kabul, March 8, 2010. DoD photo by Cherie Cullen

Gates Says US Troops In Southern Afghanistan To Lead New Fight Against Taliban -- Voice of America

U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates has met with members of a U.S. battle unit in southern Afghanistan that suffered heavy losses last year in the fight against the Taliban.

He told the troops they will soon be part of a "decisive phase" in the war.

Gates paid tribute to the sacrifices of the U.S. combat brigade Tuesday as he spoke to soldiers at an outpost about 50 kilometers north of Kandahar city. The brigade has lost 22 soldiers and has seen 62 others wounded since its deployment last year.

Read more ....

More News On Afghanistan

Gates arrives as military prepares Kandahar push -- Washington Times
Gates: Afghan war's "decisive phase" looms in Kandahar -- Reuters
Robert Gates warns of 'hard Afghan fight ahead' -- BBC
Gates confers with commanders in south Afghanistan -- Yahoo News/AFP
Gates meets with troops in southern Afghanistan -- Yahoo News/AP
Gates praises troops in southern Afghanistan -- USA Today
Gates Warns of 'Hard Fighting' in Afghanistan -- Voice of America
Karzai, Gates Discuss Marja, Way Forward in Afghanistan -- US Department of Defense
Gates sees momentum in Afghanistan but plays down prospects for reconciliation -- Washington Post

Soldier throws back Taliban grenade saving comrades -- The Telegraph
Miracle in Afghanistan: British pilot Ian Fortune shot in head, lands helicopter full of wounded -- New York Daily News
Taliban fight in Afghan south led by ex-Gitmo inmate -- Reuters
Zabul province seeks U.S. troops, but is caught in Afghan numbers game -- Washington Post
Training, Investment Create Sustainable Afghan Army -- US Department of Defense
Soldiers prepare for Afghanistan mission -- BBC
"Little Brother" Off to War in Afghanistan -- CBS News
Iran's Ahmadinejad plans Afghan visit on Wednesday -- Reuters
Afghanistan Confirms Ahmadinejad's Visit to Kabul -- Fars News Agency
House liberals force vote on pullout from Afghanistan -- Washington Post
Afghanistan Civilian Surge Could Last Decade -- ABC News