Afghan-US Deal on Table in Key Region

Global Times | Agencies | Afghan and US officials are working on a compromise deal to allow US special forces to stay in a strategically key province near the capital in return for full Afghan control of a controversial jail, a top Kabul official said. Afghan President Hamid Karzai's previous decision to expel special forces from Wardak province has angered US defense officials who worry their exit could allow insurgents to strengthen their presence in the area and use it as a base to attack Kabul, only 25 kilometers away. (READ MORE)

Fear and Loathing in Afghanistan

The Independent | John Wendle | Maidan Shahr | Tuesday 12 March 2013 | US Special Forces were meant to bring stability to Maidan Wardak. But a recent string of atrocities - and now a murderous assault by a disgruntled local police officer - reveal a province in crisis as their mission nears its end -  Sayeed Agha woke just before 4am to pray. In the moonlight, he opened the door of his home and began to walk down the dirt road to his village mosque, passing the apple orchards that his province, Maidan Wardak, is famous for. (READ MORE)