Afghan Civilian Death Toll Climbs

Staff / Truthdig Apr 18, 2007 Human Rights Watch issued the sobering news Monday that 2006 was the deadliest year in terms of civilian casualties in Afghanistan since the fall of the Taliban. Almost 700 deaths are linked to insurgent groups -- and of that number about two-thirds resulted from suicide bombings -- while 230 more have been chalked up to NATO-led troops. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Iran’s Afghan Strategy

Staff / Truthdig Dec 27, 2006 Iran has flooded Afghanistan with both good works and propaganda, writes The New York Times' David Rohde, in an effort to spread its influence. While the U.S. has resisted Tehran's ascendancy in Iraq, it seems the Bush administration's growing disinterest in Afghanistan extends to Iran's presence there. Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

TD Original

Afghan Autopsy

Christian Parenti / Truthdig Nov 29, 2006 America began its so-called war on terror with the intention of driving the Taliban from power in Afghanistan Five years later, the Taliban is back, Osama bin Laden is still alive, and insurgent fighters cite the US presence in the country as their main wellspring of rage How did it come to this? Truthdig contributor Christian Parenti, just back from Afghanistan, reportsThe Taliban is back in Afghanistan, Osama bin Laden is still alive, and insurgent fighters cite U How did it come to this? . Dig deeper ( 19 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 )

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 )

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 )