How Will The Afghan Army Perform As NATO Forces Start To Leave

How Will Afghan Forces Fare As NATO Troops Draw Down? -- NPR

Shiite Muslims gathered in Kabul last week to celebrate Ashura, one of the holiest days on their religious calendar. Hundreds of shirtless men chanted and flogged themselves with chains tipped with knife-like shards of metal.

In the past, these public Shiite commemorations have become targets of the Taliban and other Islamist extremists. In 2011, a suicide bomber killed 56 Shiites marking Ashura. But this year, security was particularly tight.

Shopkeeper Noor Aga said the celebration was magnificent, and he felt safe.

"Security is better compared to previous years in Afghanistan, but we cannot say our country is fully secure," he said through a translator. "There are provinces and cities that are very insecure."

Wardak province, just southwest of Kabul, is one. Zalmai, a civil servant who uses only one name, said there's no security there.

"I cannot go to my province because the roads are not safe," he said in Dari.

Read more ....

More News On The Progress Of The Afghan Army

Challenges remain for Afghan army: spokesman -- AP
Afghan troops will need help for years -- Washington Times
Afghan Forces Effective While Sustainment Remains a Problem -- US Department of Defense
Afghan forces leading fight against Taliban, Pentagon says -- USA Today
US Report: Afghan Forces Effective But Need Help -- Voice of America
US general: 'We are on a positive path' in Afghanistan -- NBC
Call for extra UK aid as desertions hit Afghan army -- The Sunday Times
DoD: Some Afghan forces forge truces with Taliban -- Navy Times
Alone in the field, Afghan forces hold Taliban at bay but long-term success is not assured -- FOX News/AP
Afghan Air Force Races To Prepare For Solo Mission -- NPR
Exeter rifle team on operations with the Afghan National Army -- Express & Echo
Photos: The Afghan Army Prepares to Fight on Its Own -- New Republic
Morale poor among Canadians training Afghan forces, survey shows -- Globe and Mail/Canadian press
'Guardian Angel' keeps peace between American and Afghan soldiers -- NBC