Afghanistan War News Updates -- May 26, 2011

ELDER TALK - U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers speak with a village elder during a convoy reconnaissance patrol at Badamak, in the Uruzgan province, Afghanistan, May 23, 2011. The purpose of the patrol is to build relationships and trust with local citizens and assess safety, security, and insurgent threats in the area. U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Simon Lee

Spring To Test U.S. Strategy In Afghanistan -- USA Today

KAJAKI, Afghanistan — Marine Col. Eric Smith stood on the banks of the Helmand River and pointed across the swift-moving water to an abandoned market, its shop owners and customers scared off by the Taliban.

This is the last frontier in Helmand province, a sprawling region in southern Afghanistan that once was a Taliban stronghold. Today, most communities are secured, markets are open and militants have been driven into the desert or mountains, where they can't intimidate villagers.

Read more ....

More News On Afghanistan

ISAF Joint Command morning operational update -- Dvids

Troops reclaim Afghan district, 28 rebels dead -- The Telegraph
Troops Reclaim Afghan District, 28 Rebels Dead -- Radio Free Europe
NATO, Afghan forces retake town -- UPI
NATO and Afghan Forces Push Taliban Out of Seized Town -- New York Times
Afghan government, Taliban battle for control over northeastern Afghan district -- Threat Matrix

Combined Forces in Helmand Detain Insurgents -- Department of Defense
NATO says 1 service member killed in helicopter crash in eastern Afghanistan -- Washington Post/AP
NATO on alert for influx of foreign fighters in southern Afghanistan -- CNN
Taliban spring offensive no match for Afghan, coalition forces -- Dvids
Afghanistan better off, general says -- Telegraph Journal
Top US general 'wrong' on Afghanistan -- Sydney Morning Herald

War-weary lawmakers push Obama to end Afghan war -- Reuters
Bipartisan group of US lawmakers urge Afghan war end -- AFP
Dems to press for end to Afghan war during defense debate -- The Hill

Steady Progress In Afghanistan -- Voice of America editorial
Positive signs in Afghanistan -- David Ignatius, Washington Post