Afghanistan War News Updates -- November 3, 2011

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen, commander of U.S. and international forces in Afghanistan,visits Camp Arena, Afghanistan, Oct. 31, 2011, to assess progress on Salma dam, a major development project to improve the living conditions and the economy in the west of the country. International Security Assistance Force photo

NATO Sees Afghan Progress Despite 'Spectacular' Attacks -- Vancouver Sun/AFP

BRUSSELS - NATO's chief insisted Thursday that Taliban insurgents have been weakened in Afghanistan despite "spectacular" headline-grabbing attacks in recent days.

Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said the NATO mission was "moving in the right direction" and that enemy attacks have actually dropped by 26 percent from July to September compared to the same period last year.

"Spectacular attacks capture the headlines. But they don't capture more ground," Rasmussen said at a monthly news conference.

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More News on Afghanistan

NATO vows "severe pressure" on Haqqanis in Afghanistan -- Reuters
Rasmussen Cites Progress in Afghanistan, Libya -- US Department of Defense

Combined Force Kills 2 Insurgents, Detains Suspect -- US Department of Defense
2 Guards Killed in Attack on NATO Contractor -- Voice of America
Militants Attack Civilian Contractor in Western Afghanistan -- New York Times
Afghanistan: NATO Contractor Hit By Suicide Attack, Gun Fight -- Huffington Post
Suicide car bombers, insurgents attack NATO contractor’s office in Afghanistan, 2 killed -- Washington Post
Two Afghan guards killed near west Afghan NATO compound -- Reuters
Two Afghans dead in suicide attack near NATO base -- AFP
Explosion kills 3 Afghan army soldiers in Herat province -- Khaama Press
NATO, Afghans struggle to replace security firms -- Stars and Stripes/AP

U.S. Exploring Faster Switch to Advisory Role in Afghanistan -- FOX News/Wall Street Journal
Source: US may speed shift to Afghan advisory role -- AP
Obama planning next steps in Afghan drawdown -- Reuters
US weighs faster Afghan handover. Are Afghan forces ready? -- Christian Science Monitor
Afghanistan: U.S. combat role may end early -- Detroit Free Press

NATO Builds on Afghanistan’s Once-modern Air Force -- US Department of Defense
NATO building Afghan air force -- UPI

Istanbul hosts conference to chart plans for Afghanistan -- Deutsche Welle
Afghanistan Consults Neighbors on Security -- New York Times
At meeting, Afghanistan’s neighbors promise cooperation and aid -- Washington Post
Karzai: Afghanistan Needs Help to Fight Terrorist Groups -- Voice of America