President Obama arrived in Kabul on Sunday on a surprise visit to Afghanistan, where he is expected to address U.S. troops as well as put pressure on Afghan President Hamid Karzai to step up the fight against corruption and drug trafficking. –JCL

The BBC:

US President Barack Obama has arrived in Afghanistan on his first visit to the country since taking office.

During his brief trip, he is expected to press Afghan President Hamid Karzai to do more to tackle corruption and drugs trafficking, officials say.

He is also due to address US forces based in Afghanistan and US officials.

In December, Mr Obama ordered the deployment of an extra 30,000 US troops to Afghanistan and set a date of mid-2011 to begin troop withdrawal.

Read more

Dig, Root, Grow

This year, we’re all on shaky ground, and the need for independent journalism has never been greater. A new administration is openly attacking free press — and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Your support is more than a donation. It helps us dig deeper into hidden truths, root out corruption and misinformation, and grow an informed, resilient community.

Independent journalism like Truthdig doesn't just report the news — it helps cultivate a better future.

Your tax-deductible gift powers fearless reporting and uncompromising analysis. Together, we can protect democracy and expose the stories that must be told.

Dig. Root. Grow. Cultivate a better future.

Donate today.

SUPPORT TRUTHDIG