Peace and Justice | Peace Methods

2012-02-05: Headlines

  • Reuters India: Military comeback a distant dream for Afghan Taliban 2012-02-05
    KABUL (Reuters) - A secret NATO report showing the strength of confidence among the Afghan Taliban is raising concerns from Kabul to Washington that the militant group might overrun the country again when foreign combat forces finally leave.
  • The News International: FO confirms US-Taliban talks in Qatar 2012-02-05
    ISLAMABAD: Foreign Office spokesman, Abdul Basit, Saturday said that Pakistan, through diplomatic sources, had learned that America and Taliban were h...
  • Sunday's Zaman: Zero problems with neighbors revisited by Richard Falk*
  • DAWN.com: Negotiating with Taliban without Pakistan? 2012-02-05
    AS the US began preliminary talks with Taliban negotiators in Qatar on plans for peace talks aimed at ending the war in Afghanistan, amid reports that Pakistan and Afghanistan are seeking peace talks with the Taliban in Saudi Arabia separate...
  • China Daily: Russian-Chinese veto meets mixed reactions in Syria 2012-02-05
    The veto would be conducive to restoring peace and stability in Syria and would also save the lives of Syrians, Ibrahim said. George Gabbour, another analyst, considered the double veto as "a new invitation for all Syrian parties to embark...
  • The Nation, Pakistan: PM to talk Afghan peace in Qatar 2012-02-05
    ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani will travel to Qatar next week to talk with leaders there about the prospect of a peace deal to end war in Afghanistan. The 3-day official trip beginning from Monday suggests some progress in a process...
  • PakistanToday.com.pk: The Afghan reconciliation 2012-02-05
    It states that Taliban leaders consider victory inevitable as western troops withdraw in 2014 and it has little faith in the peace talks being held under the auspices of the international community. These arguments make it difficult to determine...
  • CNN: Strong words at UN after Syria veto 2012-02-05
    Pakistan Observer: Bonds of unbeatable heartbeats 2012-02-05
    Unfortunately, India has misinterpreted the confidence-building measures as confidence-breaking measures and started constructing Baglihar Dam and fencing the Line of Control. Similarly, in response to Pakistan's peace overtures, the Indian Army Chief...
  • China Digital Times: Russia, China Veto UN Resolution on Syria 2012-02-05
    The vote would seem to signal a death knell for the Arab League's peace road map, hammered out during months of negotiation. There is no other pending peace plan. | That leaves the United States and its allies with few options for halting the bloodshed. The U.S. and Europe have already imposed a variety of economic sanctions on the Assad government.
  • Oman Tribune: Imran moves Supreme Court to stay by-elections 2012-02-05
    Keywords:... even though conspiracies are being hatched to get them stopped. A government spok-esman said Gilani will explain Pakistan's stance on the issue of peace talks with the Afghan Taliban when he travels next week to Qatar to meet the Gulf state's leaders.
  • Pakistan Observer: Taliban deny eagerness for peace talks 2012-02-05
    Islamabad—Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid has denied as baseless reports that the Taliban leader Mullah Omar had sent a letter to US President indicating an interest in talks key to ending the war in Afghanistan. “The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan...
  • RIA Novosti: Clinton Urges Peaceful Solution to Karabakh Conflict 2012-02-05
    Clinton also discussed conflict settlement issues with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. | U.S. State Secretary Hillary Clinton told her Armenian counterpart Edward Nalbandian that the Nagorny Karabakh conflict should be settled solely by peaceful means, the Armenian Foreign Ministry said.
  • Financial Express Bangladesh: Ban greeted with sticks, shoes in Gaza 2012-02-04
    NEW YORK, Feb 4: The Secretary General of the United Nation (UN), Ban Ki-moon, was greeted with sticks and shoes by an enraged Palestinian as he entered Gaza strip from Israel, on a confidence-building trip. More than 100 Palestinians who said their...

2012-02-04: Headlines

  • Antiwar.com: Early End to US Combat Role in Afghanistan Draws Cheers, Jeers, Confusion 2012-02-04
    Keywords:... has established an office in Qatar where they have been engaged in talks with US officials over confidence-building measures, such as the return of Taliban detainees imprisoned in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, that could lead to broader peace talks .
  • Khaama Press: Taliban Leader request detainees freedom in his letter to White House 2012-02-04
    A letter which was believed to be sent by Mullah Mohammad Omer, leader of the Taliban group was received by White House in 2011. | The letter requested Washington for the freedom of the Taliban detainees, which is considered to be one of the most vital issues in peace talks between Washington and the Taliban group.
  • Washington Post: Pakistan's prime minister to visit Qatar next week to talk Afghan peace deal 2012-02-04
    ISLAMABAD — Pakistan's prime minister will explain his country's stance on the issue of peace talks with the Afghan Taliban when he travels next week to Qatar to meet the Gulf state's leaders, a government spokesman said Saturday.
  • Atlanta Journal Constitution: Pakistan PM to visit Qatar to talk Afghan peace 2012-02-04
    Pakistan's prime minister will explain his country's stance on the issue of peace talks with the Afghan Taliban when he travels next week to Qatar to meet the Gulf state's leaders, a government spokesman said Saturday.
  • The News International: PM, FM to visit Qatar, Russia to discuss Afghan peace 2012-02-04
    The spokesman declined to comment on Afghan plans to take control of the peace talks by meeting Taliban representatives in Saudi Arabia. Prime Minister Gilani will hold talks with Qatar's ameer to further promote trade and investment ties to add...
  • Hindustan Times: Amid peace bid, US got purported letter from Taliban 2012-02-04
    The unusual message kicked off a debate within the administration about whether it was truly authored by the mysterious one-eyed preacher believed to be directing the Taliban from hiding in Pakistan -- and its meaning for US efforts to forge a negotiated end to America's longest war.
  • PakistanToday.com.pk: Taliban strongly rebuff Mullah Omer's letter to white house 2012-02-04
    Foreign media reported, that amid peace bid, white house received purported letter from the Taliban chief. “As we have engaged various interlocutors as part of the reconciliation process, we have received a variety of messages that were represented...
  • DAWN.com: Mullah Omar sent letter to Obama to end war 2012-02-04
    Preliminary, clandestine meetings between US and Taliban representatives began last year, after the Obama administration shifted course and decided to explore peace talks while fighting was still fierce. The message arrived when those early contacts...
  • Liverpool Echo: Peace talks planned over Unilever pension row 2012-02-04
    UNIONS locked in dispute with consumer giant Unilever over its planned pension reforms cautiously welcomed a decision to hold peace talks. | Unilever managers agreed to meet union representatives from Unite, GMB and Usdaw following an invitation by conciliator Acas. | The unions said: "We hope the agreement to talk through Acas is a genuine indication of a willingness to engage meaningfully in an effort to find a solution."
  • DAWN.com: PM Gilani to visit Qatar to talk Afghan peace 2012-02-04
    AP ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani will explain Pakistan's stance on the issue of peace talks with the Afghan Taliban when he travels next week to Qatar to meet the Gulf state's leaders, a government spokesman said Saturday.
  • Oman Tribune: Republicans slam plan to transfer Gitmo detainees 2012-02-04
    WASHINGTON US Republican lawmakers are voicing growing alarm over a possible deal with the Taliban that would see five militants transferred from Guantanamo as part of peace talks on ending Afghanistan's insurgency. The criticism comes after President...
  • Geo Television Network: PM Gilani to visit Qatar for Afghan peace talk 2012-02-04
    ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani will visit the Gulf state of Qatar next week to meet with the leadership and discuss peace talks with the Afghan Taliban, a US newspaper Washington Post reported. The Afghan Taliban last month announced they...
  • Visayan Daily Star: Church tapped to mediate for peace 2012-02-04
    Despite outright rejection of the localized ceasefire by the New People's Army, local military and police officials have tapped the Church-Military Advisory Group in Negros to act as mediator in the proposed cessation of armed hostilities. | Through CMAG-Negros, Lactao said, they hope to get a reaction.
  • Press TV: Taliban leader Mullah Omar sent letter to White House 2012-02-04
    On Tuesday, US intelligence officials confirmed that Washington may transfer five militants to Afghan custody in the Gulf state of Qatar as an incentive to bring the Taliban to peace talks . The prisoners include some of the detainees brought...
  • Associated Press of Pakistan: Call renewed to stop shedding innocent Kashmiris' blood 2012-02-04
    uploader: He said peace and prosperity can not be achieved in the region without resolving the longstanding issue of Kashmir, adding “If India wants peace in the region, it must stop use of power in Kashmir and respond to calls for dialogue.
  • The Laconia Daily Sun: 5 Taliban are going to be released; how about our own POW? 2012-02-04
    Five “Hand Picked “Taliban detainees are set to be released from Guantanamo Bay as part of a series of “operational steps” designed to further peace talks with afghan Taliban, according to news reports. The pro's and con's of this decision...
  • Sudan Tribune: Warrap, Unity and Lakes peace talks blighted by new clashes 2012-02-04
    February 2, 2012 (JUBA/BENTUI) - On Thursday the Unity state minster for information and communication, Gideon Gatpan, said 15 people were killed (...)
  • New York Times: Waiting in the Wings, a Survivor of Three Decades of Syrian Politics 2012-02-04
    The diplomatic struggle over the Arab League's peace proposal for Syria has nearly obscured an important detail of the plan: President Bashar al-Assad would be replaced in a transition by a loyal disciple. Under the proposal, Mr. Assad's vice president...
  • Southgate Amateur Radio Club: United Nations recommends IRESC for Special Status, one above the IARU status 2012-02-04
    She said the matter could be further explored when members discussed the Committee's working methods in informal consultations. Kuwait Association for the Basic Evaluators for Human Rights — a national association aimed at upholding human rights...
  • GhanaWeb: Woyome Case- Smell of corruption at President Mills' Castle! 2012-02-04
    The sad irony of Ghana is that the NDC seems to be following the same clever thieving-without prosecution methods . Of course the NPP also would claim they were following a culture of public theft under the NDC which has continued from the illegal...

2012-02-03: Headlines

  • NPR: Afghans View Peace Talks With Hope, Suspicion 2012-02-03
    Taliban fighters walk with their weapons after joining Afghan government forces during a ceremony in Herat province, last month. Thirty fighters left the Taliban to join government forces in western Afghanistan. The Taliban announced recently that they would open a political office in Qatar ahead of talks with Washington. | Coupled with Pentagon comments this week that U.S.
  • Carnegie Endowment for International Peace: Addressing Nonstrategic Nuclear Forces 2012-02-03
    It figures centrally as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) weighs a new nuclear deterrence and defense posture. It complicates the issue of conventional arms control and impinges on the next phases of strategic nuclear arms negotiations between the United States and Russia. But Russia and the United States remain not only at loggerheads in their views of the issue, the issue itself has yet to be engaged in active official dialogue...
  • Carnegie Endowment for International Peace: Energy as a Building Block in Creating a Euro-Atlantic Security Community 2012-02-03
    Without economic security for its members there cannot be a fully functioning Euro-Atlantic Security Community, and without energy security for all, there cannot be economic security.
  • Carnegie Endowment for International Peace: Toward a Euro-Atlantic Security Community 2012-02-03
    Throughout the two years, the staff of Carnegie Endowment for International Peace has provided critical organizational support.
  • BusinessWeek: Taliban Transfer Plan Sends 'Horrible Message,' Republican Says 2012-02-03
    The Obama administration would cross a "dangerous line" and send a "horrible message" with a plan to encourage peace talks with the Afghan Taliban by transferring five prisoners from U.S. military detention, the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee said.
  • BusinessWeek: US-Held Taliban as Bargaining Chips Draw Republican Criticism 2012-02-03
    The Obama administration would cross a "dangerous line" with its plan to facilitate peace talks with the Afghan Taliban by transferring five prisoners from U.S. military detention, the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee said. | The U.S. hasn't decided whether to move the five men held at the U.S.
  • Bloomberg: U.S.-Held Taliban as Bargaining Chips Draw Republican Criticism 2012-02-03
    The Obama administration would cross a €œdangerous line€ with its plan to facilitate peace talks with the Afghan Taliban by transferring five prisoners from U.S. military detention, the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee said.
  • Bloomberg: Taliban Prisoner-Transfer Plan Would Send 'Horrible Message,' Rogers Says 2012-02-03
    The Obama administration would cross a €œdangerous line€ and send a €œhorrible message€ with a plan to encourage peace talks with the Afghan Taliban by transferring five prisoners from U.S. military detention, the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee said.
  • Los Angeles Times: GOP criticizes plan to transfer 'high-level' Guantanamo detainees 2012-02-03
    THEY LAUGH, WHILE THEY HATE!February 2, 2012WASHINGTON - What am I talking about?We thought Obama would bring peace and respect from our brother nations to our shore!He also promised to lower the seas and pay our mortgages. yeah.Why do our neighbors hate us more now?'Cause they do! You know! They really do!But, something's different.Now, even as they fail in Europe, they're... do you hear laughter, Pharaoh? (lol)Yes, LAUGHTER!
  • Inter Press Service: Early End to US Combat Role in Afghanistan Draws Cheers, Jeers, Confusion 2012-02-03
    Keywords:... the Taliban has established an office in Qatar where they have been engaged in talks with US officials over confidence-building measures, such as the return of Taliban detainees imprisoned in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, that could lead to broader peace...
  • World Socialist Web Site: NATO ministers hold crisis talks on Afghanistan 2012-02-03
    Bill Van Auken: Amid growing signs of crisis in the decade-old US-led war in Afghanistan, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta announced Wednesday that the US would make a €œtransition€ from combat to €œtraining€ and €œadvising€ puppet Afghan forces by the end of 2013.
  • IBNLive.com: Don't jump the gun on Afghan pullout: US expert 2012-02-03
    The building blocks for genuine peace and stability in Afghanistan are simply not yet in place, said Lisa Curtis of the Heritage Foundation. | "The recent leaked NATO report, combined with findings from a recent intelligence estimate on Afghanistan that conclude the Taliban have little interest in peace talks, should cause the Obama Administration to think twice when considering concessions to the Taliban," said Curtis.
  • STLtoday.com: Use of Gitmo prisoners in peace talks draws fire 2012-02-03
    WASHINGTON • Members of Congress are reacting sharply to a plan being considered by the White House to transfer abroad five of the most dangerous prisoners from Guantanamo Bay as a gesture to the Taliban in advance of Afghanistan peace talks .
  • STLtoday.com: Panetta surprises with Afghanistan comments 2012-02-03
    The US decision also could weaken the administration's hand as it tries to pressure the Taliban into peace talks by confirming to insurgent leaders that they can hold out until the US combat mission draws to a close in December 2014, several current...
  • The Atlantic: Afghanistan 2013: America's Next Groove 2012-02-03
    The trip by Pakistan Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar to Kabul yesterday and his comments blessing the peace talks seem likely to also be part of this mutual posturing, confidence building process. Lastly, for those like GOP presidential candidate...
  • CNN: The Taliban who may leave Gitmo 2012-02-03
    By Adam Levine and Tim Lister, with reporting from Ted Barrett and Pam Benson As part of its efforts to explore peace talks with the Taliban, the Obama administration is considering the controversial release of several senior Taliban figures from the detention camp at Guantanamo Bay.
  • Frontier Post: Palestinians hurl shoes at UN chief 2012-02-03
    BEIT HANOUN (AP): Palestinians tried to block the UN chief from entering the Gaza Strip and flung shoes at his armored convoy on Thursday, the second day of Ban Ki-moon's mission to the region to keep informal peace talks alive.
  • Pakistan Observer: Pak readies to push Taliban for peace 2012-02-03
    Pakistani Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar said full-fledged peace talks were still “miles away” and could only begin once the Afghan government determined how the process should be structured. Afghan President Hamid Karzai initially opposed...
  • The Australian: Non-combat strategy likely to be long 2012-02-03
    Just as important as the presidential elections, however, are the nascent peace talks with emissaries for Taliban leader Mullah Mohammed Omar. The US administration has already admitted this week it was considering releasing five senior Taliban...
  • WAPT Jackson: The Taliban Who Might Leave Guantanamo 2012-02-03
    Adam Levine and Tim Lister CNN: The administration has said any discussion about releasing the detainees is very preliminary and hinges on the Taliban renouncing terrorism and agreeing to peace talks. | But the proposal, confirmed in congressional testimony this week, has come under attack in Congress. The chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, Mike Rogers, said Thursday that the U.S. was "crossing a dangerous line"
  • The Barrie Examiner: Palestinians protest UN convoy visit 2012-02-03
    Dozens of Palestinians threw shoes, sticks and stones at UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's convoy as it crossed into the Gaza Strip on Thursday, protesting against what they saw as a slight against Palestinians jailed in Israel. | No one was injured during the hostile welcome and the vehicles pushed through the crowd and sped away. | Ban is visiting the region to try to restart long-stalled Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.
  • Business Recorder: US lawmakers warn of outcry against Taliban transfer 2012-02-03
    US lawmakers are steeling for a public battle against the possible transfer of Taliban detainees out of Guantanamo Bay prison, a key step in the Obama administration's bid to broker a peace deal ending the war in Afghanistan.
  • International News Network: CBMs between Taliban-US in developing process: Taliban 2012-02-03
    ISLAMABAD: Afghan Taliban Friday said that the pre-peace talks Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) are in the process of developing an understanding between the U.S. and the Taliban. | However, the Taliban spokesman said that no talks have yet been started with Washington.
  • AFP: Lawmakers voice alarm on possible Taliban deal 2012-02-03
    US Republican lawmakers are voicing growing alarm over a possible deal with the Taliban that would see five militants transferred from Guantanamo as part of peace talks on ending Afghanistan's insurgency.
  • Reuters: Lawmakers warn of outcry against Taliban transfer 2012-02-03
    Lawmakers are steeling for a public battle against the possible transfer of Taliban detainees out of Guantanamo Bay prison, a key step in the Obama administration's bid to broker a peace deal ending the war in Afghanistan.
  • Online Athens: Financial Peace University being offered at Cornerstone 2012-02-03
    Live like no one else now so later you can live like no one else. | That's the motto of Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University (FPU), a series of Bible-rooted financial classes that will be offered for free at Cornerstone Church of God beginning Wednesday.
  • Malaysia Star: Amid peace bid, US got purported letter from Taliban 2012-02-03
    Missy Ryan and Warren Strobel: The White House received a letter last year purported to come directly from Mullah Omar, the reclusive leader of the Taliban, asking the United States to deliver militant prisoners whose transfer is now at the heart of the Obama administration's bid to broker peace in Afghanistan.
  • Mindanao Examiner: Reflections on the Peace Process By Secretary Teresita Deles 2012-02-03
    By Teresita Quintos-Deles, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process I am truly honoured to be named this year's awardee of the Metrobank Professorial Chair for Public Service and Governance, an annual project of the Metrobank Foundation...
  • Press TV: NATO report: Taliban confident of retaking control 2012-02-03
    Keywords: “While they are weary of war, they see little hope for a negotiated peace ." This is while the United States has engaged itself in efforts to strike a peace agreement with the militants apparently trying to compensate for the failure of the military...
  • DAWN.com: Haqqani network may enter talks: Khar 2012-02-03
    She said full-fledged peace talks were still “miles away” and could only begin once the Afghan government determined how the process should be structured. Afghan President Hamid Karzai initially opposed the US-backed move by the Taliban to set up...
  • Courier Mail: Shoes hurled at UN chief in Gaza 2012-02-03
    SHOES and stones were thrown at UN chief Ban Ki-moon yesterday as he faced angry protests during a visit to Gaza. | While there, Mr Ban condemned rocket fire from the area and urged Israel to ease its blockade of the Palestinian territory. | He was able to continue on to Khan Yunis in southern Gaza, where he was met by more protests, with demonstrators toting banners reading "We need to live in peace"
  • Kashmir Watch: Prof. Dr.Ashraf Qureshi 2012-02-03
    It was simply the miscarriage of justice that he couldn't make peace with India hence was buried in Mirpur instead of Srinagar which was his destiny. As peeping tom he along with his cousin Hashim Qurshi Hijacked an Indian Airlines Fokker F27...
  • gulfnews.com: Can America end the war in Afghanistan? 2012-02-03
    Peace with the Taliban is now on US President Barack Obama's agenda. He is evidently keen to end the war and extricate the US from a ten-year conflict, which has proved hugely costly in human and financial terms. Even with a scaled down US force of 100,000 men, operations in Afghanistan are costing the American tax-payer $130 billion (Dh477 billion) a year...
  • Frontier Post: US surprises Kabul with early end to Afghanistan mily operations 2012-02-03
    But a key part of its strategy has been to increase military pressure on the Taliban to persuade it to join peace talks .Washington believes Afghanistan cannot be pacified without strong cooperation with Pakistan, but ties have been damaged by events...
  • KCRA Sacramento: Intelligence Committee Debates Cyberthreats 2012-02-03
    Pam Benson CNN Senior National Security Producer: "The clock is ticking and winding down," Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Michigan, said at a hearing on the security threats facing the United States. | Speaking to the nation's top intelligence officials, Rogers said that, "given classified briefings that we've had, discussions with all of you and your counterparts... that a cyberattack is on its way. We will suffer a catastrophic cyberattack." | The committee's top Democrat, Rep.
  • Channel News Asia: UN leader hit by shoe protest in Gaza 2012-02-03
    Protesters threw shoes at UN chief Ban Ki-moon as he entered Gaza on Thursday, condemning Israel's blockade and Ban's refusal to meet the families of Palestinian prisoners.
  • The Irrawaddy News Magazine: With Suu Kyi On Board, Is Burma Finally Moving Toward Real Change? 2012-02-03
    On a state visit to Singapore with a delegation of ministers and businesspeople earlier this week, Burmese President Thein Sein made his most explicit commitment to democratic reform and an overhaul of the country€™s moribund economy and government infrastructure. | €œWe want democracy to thrive.
  • Eyewitness News: Palestinians throw shoes, stones at UN convoy 2012-02-03
    Dozens of Palestinians threw shoes, sticks and stones at U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's convoy as it crossed into the Gaza Strip on Thursday, protesting against what they saw as a slight against Palestinians jailed in Israel.   No one was injured during the hostile welcome and the vehicles, which crossed into the Hamas-ruled territory from southern Israel, pushed through the crowd and sped away.  Ban is visiting the region to try...
  • Daily Pioneer: Blowing hot and cold 2012-02-03
    Claude Arpi: China has added a twist to the boundary talks with India by upping the ante on its claim to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh. That claim has no basis in history. | During his visit to Beijing in June 2003, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee suggested that the border issue with China be put on the fast-track.

2012-02-02: Headlines

  • Los Angeles Times: NATO report says Taliban captives are confident of victory 2012-02-02
    Captured Taliban fighters have consistently expressed confidence that their movement will again rule Afghanistan, according to a report prepared by NATO forces, but military officials cautioned Wednesday that the document reflected the opinions of committed insurgents and not the alliance€™s view.
  • Reuters AlertNet: Taliban vows to retake Afghanistan-report 2012-02-02
    Thomson Reuters Foundation: The Taliban, backed by Pakistan, remains confident despite a decade of NATO efforts that it will retake control of Afghanistan, NATO said in a new classified report that raises more questions about Afghanistan's future as foreign forces withdraw. | "While they are weary of war, they see little hope for a negotiated peace. Despite numerous tactical setbacks, surrender is far from their collective mindset."
  • Haaretz: Israel asks US to prod Palestinians to continue peace talks 2012-02-02
    Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday asked U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to press Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to continue the talks with Israel that began last month in Amman. | The Prime Minister's Office said that the conversation with Clinton lasted 45 minutes, and quoted Netanyahu as saying...
  • Telegraph.co.uk: Afghan soldiers 'co-operating with the Taliban and signing ceasefire deals' 2012-02-02
    Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement that prior to any negotiations, confidence building measures must be completed, putting pressure on Washington to meet demands for the release of five Taliban in US custody.
  • Boston Herald: Cultural overhaul 2012-02-02
    We've got to bring these male-dominated societies out of the dark ages before we even attempt peace talks ("Afghan woman slain after giving birth to girl," Jan. 31). How tragic for those children to be raised in such a culture where so little value is placed upon human life. So why do we expect them to be honorable? | More Crossword Education Channel Lottery Results Play Sudoku!
  • VietNamNet Bridge: Jordan calls for more int'l efforts to resolve Palestinian-Israeli conflict 2012-02-02
    King Abdullah II of Jordan on Tuesday called for intensified efforts by the international community to find a just solution to the Palestinian issue, the state-run Petra news agency reported. | The Jordanian leader, who stressed that the Palestinian issue represents the core of conflicts in the Middle East, called for more efforts to create a suitable environment that enables the resumption of peace talks between the Palestinians and Israel.
  • National Post: Peter Goodspeed: Taliban see control of Afghanistan as 'inevitable' 2012-02-02
    As pressures grow for peace talks with Afghanistan€™s Taliban, leaked U.S.
  • Reuters: US plans to halt Afghan combat role in 2013 2012-02-02
    But a key part of its strategy has been to increase military pressure on the Taliban to persuade it to join peace talks . In a new classified report obtained by British media, NATO said that the Taliban, backed by Pakistan, remained confident despite...
  • Middle East Online: Israel to UN chief: Settlement freeze cannot be a precondition 2012-02-02
    Netanyahu says issue of Israel's settlements in West Bank, east Jerusalem something to be discussed during negotiations, not before. | UN chief Ban Ki-moon, meeting officials in Jerusalem on Wednesday, called on Israel to refrain from settlement activity and offer the Palestinians a "goodwill gesture" to help kickstart peace talks.
  • Kuwait News Agency: Time ripe for viable Palestinian state 2012-02-02
    In a joint press conference here with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Ban said there was a need for confidence building gesture and end to provocative acts to help restart the stalled peace negotiations. He made it clear that Israeli settlement...
  • Reuters: Taliban vows to retake Afghanistan: report 2012-02-02
    KABUL (Reuters) - The Taliban, backed by Pakistan, remains confident despite a decade of NATO efforts that it will retake control of Afghanistan, NATO said in a new classified report that raises more questions about Afghanistan's future as foreign forces withdraw. | "While they are weary of war, they see little hope for a negotiated peace. Despite numerous tactical setbacks, surrender is far from their collective mindset."
  • Reuters UK: Taliban vows to retake Afghanistan 2012-02-02
    KABUL (Reuters) - The Taliban, backed by Pakistan, remains confident despite a decade of NATO efforts that it will retake control of Afghanistan, NATO said in a new classified report that raises more questions about Afghanistan's future as foreign forces withdraw. | "While they are weary of war, they see little hope for a negotiated peace. Despite numerous tactical setbacks, surrender is far from their collective mindset."
  • Pekin Daily Times: Taliban set on departure of U.S.-led coalition combat forces 2012-02-02
    GateHouse Media, Inc.: The Taliban dismissed reports they are preparing to talk peace with the Afghan government, and a NATO report leaked Wednesday shows captured insurgents full of confidence they will seize power after international troops leave.
  • STLtoday.com: World of talks confuses some Taliban insurgents 2012-02-02
    Now there are to be peace talks with the Americans," Gol said. "I'm confused — I don't know whether this war is right or wrong." The insurgent, from the Tagab district of Kapisa province, northeast of the Afghan capital, Kabul, said news...
  • Eyewitness News: Taliban intends to take back Afghanistan 2012-02-02
    "While they are weary of war, they see little hope for a negotiated peace . Despite numerous tactical setbacks, surrender is far from their collective mindset. For the moment, they believe that continuing the fight and expanding Taliban governance...
  • Reuters: Lawmakers warn of outcry against Taliban transfer 2012-02-02
    U.S. lawmakers are steeling for a public battle against the possible transfer of Taliban detainees out of Guantanamo Bay prison, a key step in the Obama administration's bid to broker a peace deal ending the war in Afghanistan.
  • Eurasia Review: Southern Philippines' Conflict: Quest For A Settlement 2012-02-02
    The 24th round of peace talks between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to end the decades old conflict was concluded on 11 January 2012 at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The joint statement of the talk spoke of constructive discussion on substantive issues between the parties.
  • Frontier Post: UK to consult with Afghan govt over troops beyond 2014 2012-02-02
    The Ambassador also said that his country will support Afghan led peace talks in any country. Britain has around 9000 troops in Afghanistan, mainly based in the southwestern Helmand province.It has lost 397 soldiers since joining the Nato mission...
  • Namibian: Taliban 'poised to retake Afghanistan' after Nato pullout 2012-02-02
    Pakistani Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar was visiting Kabul yesterday on a mission to repair strained diplomatic ties with Afghanistan's government and to meet Karzai to discuss possible peace talks with the Taliban. Pakistan is currently reviewing...
  • New York Times: UN Leader Urges Israelis and Palestinians to Resume Talks 2012-02-02
    JERUSALEM — The United Nations secretary general, Ban Ki-moon, urged Israel on Wednesday to refrain from further settlement construction and to offer good-will gestures to the Palestinians during a visit aimed at revitalizing the largely moribund peace...
  • Oneindia: Pakistan says it will back Afghan-led peace talks 2012-02-02
    Pti: Pakistan's foreign minister says her country has no hidden agenda in Afghanistan and will back a peace process with the Taliban as long as it's driven by Afghans and not other figures on the international stage.
  • Business Recorder: US-Taliban talks 2012-02-02
    "We are watching carefully what is going on (in Egypt) and will respond accordingly - for us how to use our strategic stockpiles and for Opec how to use their spare capacity," Tanaka said."I think Opec is ready to use their spare capacity when they need, this is what (Opec's Secretary General Abdullah) al-Badri, this is what (Saudi oil minister Ali) al-Naimi says. | Copyright Reuters, 2011 | Published under arrangements...
  • Jakarta Globe: With Suu Kyi On Board, Is Burma Finally Making All the Right Moves for Change? 2012-02-02
    On a state visit to Singapore with a delegation of ministers and businesspeople earlier this week, Burma President Thein Sein made his most explicit commitment to democratic reform and an overhaul of the country€™s moribund economy and government infrastructure.
  • Naharnet: In Jerusalem, Ban Urges Israel to Freeze Settlement 2012-02-02
    But he appeared to be rebuffed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who said he considered the issue of Israel's settlements in the West Bank and east Jerusalem something to be discussed during negotiations, not before. | "I have told clearly to President (Shimon) Peres this morning and this afternoon to the prime minister that they should refrain from further settlement," Ban told a press conference after talks with Netanyahu.
  • Herald Scotland: It is time to talk to the Taliban in earnest 2012-02-02
    The future for Afghanistan was always going to be fragile following the withdrawal of Nato's International Security Assistance Force (Isaf). | The leaked report on the state of the Taliban, however, is the clearest indication yet of a growing confidence among the insurgents that Afghan government forces will not be capable of taking control of the country by the end of 2014.
  • The Australian Eye: Taliban captives confident of victory, report finds 2012-02-02
    Also Wednesday, a Taliban spokesman denied reports that the movement has agreed to engage in talks in Saudi Arabia with the Afghan government. | "It's strictly a matter of their opinions, and you have to take it all with a really big grain of salt," said Lt. Col. Jimmie Cummings, a spokesman for NATO's International Security Assistance Force.
  • RTT News: UN Diplomats: Progress Made In Talks On Syria Resolution 2012-02-02
    2/2/2012 1:12 AM ET (RTTNews) - U.N. diplomats on Wednesday indicated that substantial progress had been made in negotiations aimed at getting the U.N. Security Council (UNSC) approved a resolution endorsing an Arab League plan for ending the ongoing violence in Syria.
2012-02-05T02:25-07:00