Playing the Atheism Card Against Pat Tillman’s Family

Stan Goff / Truthdig Jul 28, 2006 The family of slain NFL-player-turned-Army-Ranger Pat Tillman may have been irreligious, but does that mean they're not entitled to the truth about the fratricide that killed their son? New Truthdig contributor Stan Goff, a retired U.S. Army Special Forces soldier who has written extensively on the topic, probes for the truth. Dig deeper ( 10 Min. Read )

The Child Brides of Afghanistan

Staff / Truthdig Jul 11, 2006 The N.Y. Times presents a photo essay on girls as young as 11 being married off to men three or four times their age, sometimes to settle gambling debts. The last line of the accompanying textual essay is as heartbreaking as anything you'll ever read. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Army Equipment Costs for Two Wars Will Triple

Staff / Truthdig Jun 27, 2006 The annual cost of replacing, repairing and upgrading Army equipment in Iraq and Afghanistan is expected to more than triple next year to more than $17 billion, according to Army documents obtained by the Associated Press And we still can't find the money for schools, healthcare, environmental-technology research oh, never mind . Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Afghanistan Spiraling Ever Downward

Staff / Truthdig Jun 26, 2006 Afghan President Hamid Karzai is proving unable to control the insurgency that is terrorizing large swaths of the country. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Gitmo and Afghanistan Interrogation Tactics Exposed

Staff / Truthdig Jun 19, 2006 In a new book, a medical ethicist has compiled a list of interrogation techniques documented at US detention centers in Guantanamo and Afghanistan They include: external electric shocks; beating; punching with fists; use of truncheons; stretching or suspension (to tear ligaments or muscles to cause asphyxia) UPDATE: An L Times reporter writes that the barring of U reporters from Gitmo "make[s] us all the more determined to question, probe and illuminate the actions of our government being waged in the country's name" . Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Anti-U.S. Riots in Kabul Show Mission Unaccomplished

Staff / Truthdig May 29, 2006 A traffic incident in the Afghan capital led to rumors of an American-on-Afghan massacre. Massive riots ensued. Bitter resentment of occupying U.S. forces has been laid bare. "Today has set us back 10 years," said a NATO-employed Afghani security worker. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

U.S. Hasn’t Curbed Torture: Report

Staff / Truthdig May 3, 2006 Amnesty International's report says the US has failed to eradicate "widespread" torture in its jails in Iraq, Afghanistan and Cuba Also, no senior U officials have been held accountable for the practices . Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Christian Afghan Freed, but Issue Remains

Staff / Truthdig Mar 27, 2006 Afghan authorities are planning on releasing the man who faced the death penalty for converting to Christianity, but they will base the action on a technicality. So a showdown with the U.S. still looms. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Radio Host: I Have No Tolerance For Islam

Staff / Truthdig Mar 24, 2006 In light of the possible death sentence faced by the Afghan who converted to Christianity, a popular secular radio talk show host sounds off about the insanity of faith. Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

An Afghan Girl’s Tale of Torture and Hope

Staff / Truthdig Mar 22, 2006 Pioneering war zone journalist Kevin Sites tells the story of a 12-year-old Afghan girl who was savagely beaten and tortured for years by her in-laws. But wonderfully, the story ends on a note of optimism. (You can even e-mail the girl here. Or at this e-mail address: [email protected]) Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Bush Bombs in Cleveland

Robert Scheer / Truthdig Mar 22, 2006 On the third anniversary of the beginning of his Iraq catastrophe, President Bush yet again dealt in denial, but this time the carefully screened audience at the Cleveland City Club wasn't buying it. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

Afghan Could Get Death for Becoming a Christian

Staff / Truthdig Mar 21, 2006 He converted to Christianity 16 years ago as an aid worker in Pakistan, an offense punishable by death under Sharia law. (Above: A judge holds the accused's Bible.) If you're shaking your head over this resurgence of religious fundamentalism, check out this earlier story on the Taliban's return to Afghanistan. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )