Media Summary

September 28, 2010

News Summary - September 28, 2010

In today’s news: Petraeus says “very high-level Taliban leaders” have reached out to Karzai government for reconciliation. Senior British commander says the military will advise withdrawing “as few [troops] as possible” in July 2011. Trial of five American soldiers accused of killing Afghan civilians begins. Conflicting claims of responsibility for kidnapping of four aid workers in Kunar. National Security Agency is wiretapping Mahmoud Karzai in U.S. federal prosecutor corruption probe; he says “my whole life is open” and denies any wrongdoing.

September 27, 2010

News Summary - September 27, 2010

In today’s news: Ministry of Interior reports 1,119 civilians deaths in Afghanistan over the past six months. Four aidworkers for DAI kidnapped between Nangahar and Kunar province. Forces in Kandahar begin “active combat” operations in districts west of the city. NATO training command seeks additional trainers from allied countries. IEC says it is recounting results from seven provinces, has released partial results for twelve. Federal prosecutors in New York are considering tax evasion and extortion charges against Mahmoud Karzai, the president’s older brother; he denies any wrongdoing.

September 26, 2010

Local News Summary - Sept 26

In today's local news: Wolesi Jirga members condemn irregularities in parliamentary vote. IEC staffer killed in Sar-i-Pul province. ECC says it has received approximately 3,400 complaints since election day.

September 26, 2010

News Summary - September 26, 2010

In today’s news: NATO conducts airstrikes against reported Taliban fighter groups in Laghman and Khost. IEC spokesman tells TOLO that 97% of ballots have been received from the provinces. ECC says it has received 3,460 complaints since election day.

September 25, 2010

News Summary - September 25, 2010

In today’s news: Taliban fighters attack NATO base in Paktia province. NATO frees three Afghan journalists detained for contacts with Taliban. NYT suggests “mounting evidence” of widespread fraud in last week’s parliamentary vote.

September 24, 2010

News Summary - September 24, 2010

In today’s news: Gates defends administration internal debate on Afghanistan and says he does not expect major changes to Afghan strategy. Karzai calls for release of detained Afghan journalists. IEC says it has counted approximately 67% of Panjshir province’s vote. US Senators call for the firing of Special Inspector General for Afghan Reconstruction.

September 23, 2010

Local News Summary - Sept 23

In today's local news: Khost elders unhappy with poll; IEC announces plans to release preliminary results; Badghis residents deprived chance to vote; IEC Media Commission press conference.

September 22, 2010

Local News Summary – Sept 22

In today’s local news: competing alliances are already claiming significant numbers of seats in the Wolesi Jirga elections; Taliban are reported to have been cutting off fingers in Herat; and the governor of Wardak is claiming the election was a success despite security issues in his province.

Opposition Claims Victory in Parliamentary Elections
Mandegar, Dari daily, Sept 22, 2010

September 22, 2010

News Summary - September 22, 2010

In today’s news: Yesterday’s helicopter crash in Zabul makes 2010 the deadliest year for international forces in Afghanistan. Amb. Holbrooke tells Reuters that the administration will keep to its plan to begin withdrawal next year. U.S. will retain control over a portion of the Bagram detention facility next year. Supporters of Abdullah Abdullah predict a large bloc in the new parliament. The Pentagon’s task force commander investigating corruption in contracting is replaced.

September 21, 2010

Local News Summary - Sept 21

In today's local news: the ECC is sorting through nearly 3,000 complaints; more intra-candidate troubles in Baghlan; Herat candidates declare themselves winners; while others differ on poll's transparency; UN and Russian Embassy praise electoral process.