“You can accuse me of being an optimist and I’ll plead guilty,” said Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., who in February took over as the commander of the international forces in Afghanistan. Sergey Ponomarev for The New York Times
Hope Seen For Afghanistan After Coalition Exits -- New York Times
KABUL, Afghanistan — Under Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., the new commander of international forces here, the American-led military coalition is no longer aiming to change Afghanistan. Its focus now is on a far more narrow goal: readying Afghan forces to withstand the Taliban regardless of the country’s looming political and economic troubles.
The rest, he said in an interview, is up to the Afghans.
Perhaps unsurprisingly for someone who says he sees the glass as “half-full,” General Dunford laid out a case for why he believes Afghan forces will step up as the coalition’s long war here moves toward an official close.
He offered a far more positive take on the prospects for this country than many longtime Western officials here, and a less critical one than many of his predecessors had offered. They had emphasized that long-term stability would require faith in the Afghan government, which could be achieved only if the rampant corruption and widespread rights abuses were reined in.
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Stavridis Urges Taliban to Join Political Process -- Military.com/Stars and Stripes
Afghan finance minister accuse lawmakers for illegal activities -- Khaama Press
Afghan defense ministry deny secret deal with Pakistan -- Khaama Press
Afghan, Pakistani forces again clash on disputed border; NATO troops broker truce -- Washington Post
Afghanistan warns Pakistan after border clash erupts again -- Reuters
Pakistan Warns Afghanistan to Show Restraint -- ABC News/AP
Pakistan Summons Afghan Diplomat Over Border Dispute -- Voice of America
Kabul loses five-star hotel as security fears dent confidence -- The Times
Young music scene flourishes in Afghanistan (Video) -- BBC
ISAF Explains Security Using Schools and Cellphones…and It’s Adorable -- Registan
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