A banner of Afghanistan's president, Hamid Karzai, in Kabul. Among Afghans, there seems to be little liking for the government. Adam Ferguson for The New York TimesTaliban Overhaul Image in Bid to Win Allies -- New York Times
KABUL, Afghanistan — The Taliban have embarked on a sophisticated information war, using modern media tools as well as some old-fashioned ones, to soften their image and win favor with local Afghans as they try to counter the Americans’ new campaign to win Afghan hearts and minds.
The Taliban’s spiritual leader, Mullah Muhammad Omar, issued a lengthy directive late last spring outlining a new code of conduct for the Taliban. The dictates include bans on suicide bombings against civilians, burning down schools, or cutting off ears, lips and tongues.
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Big boost in Afghan security forces OKd -- San Francisco Chronicle, AP
Afghan force to number 300,000 by 2011 -- ABC News (Australia)
Afghan forces to get big boost -- Toronto Star
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Afghan Taliban sceptical of peace talks - ex-envoy -- Reuters
Afghan talks could set timetable for security transfers -- Reuters
Handover of security duties, funds for reconciliation to top Afghanistan conference agenda -- Canadian Press
FACTBOX-Foreign security aid to Afghanistan -- Reuters
Robert Gates dismisses Afghan claim that reconciliation will tame Taliban -- The Telegraph
Afghan villagers say civilians killed in raid -- Yahoo news/AP
NATO: 4 insurgents killed in raid in eastern Afghanistan, villagers claim they were civilians -- Canadian Press
Afghans protest over alleged civilian deaths -- AFP
Assault in central Kabul leaves residents angry and fearful -- Washington Post
After Attack, Afghans Question Motives or See Conspiracies -- New York Times
Taliban Strike Heart of Afghan Capital - -Wall Street Journal
Taliban strike strengthens US resolve: State Dept -- AFP
Kabul Attack Highlights Competing U.S., Taliban Urban Strategies -- Radio Free Europe
Strong NATO Afghan civilian role could go to UK -- Reuters
NATO planning to appoint civilian boss in Afghanistan to co-ordinate with military -- Canadian Press
Afghan security forces to be increased by 100,000 -- BBC
Big boost in Afghan security forces OKd -- San Francisco Chronicle, AP
Afghan force to number 300,000 by 2011 -- ABC News (Australia)
Afghan forces to get big boost -- Toronto Star
UN: Afghan Corruption Matches Scale Of Opium Trade -- Radio Fre
Afghans protest over alleged civilian deaths -- AFP
Assault in central Kabul leaves residents angry and fearful -- Washington Post
After Attack, Afghans Question Motives or See Conspiracies -- New York Times
Taliban Strike Heart of Afghan Capital - -Wall Street Journal
Taliban strike strengthens US resolve: State Dept -- AFP
Kabul Attack Highlights Competing U.S., Taliban Urban Strategies -- Radio Free Europe
Strong NATO Afghan civilian role could go to UK -- Reuters
NATO planning to appoint civilian boss in Afghanistan to co-ordinate with military -- Canadian Press
Afghan security forces to be increased by 100,000 -- BBC
Big boost in Afghan security forces OKd -- San Francisco Chronicle, AP
Afghan force to number 300,000 by 2011 -- ABC News (Australia)
Afghan forces to get big boost -- Toronto Star
UN: Afghan Corruption Matches Scale Of Opium Trade -- Radio Free Europe
UN Afghanistan survey points to huge scale of bribery -- RAWA News
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ISAF Chief Calls for New German Strategy -- Spiegel Online
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Scottish troops head to Helmand -- BBC
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Assault in central Kabul leaves residents angry and fearful -- Washington Post
After Attack, Afghans Question Motives or See Conspiracies -- New York Times
Taliban Strike Heart of Afghan Capital - -Wall Street Journal
Taliban strike strengthens US resolve: State Dept -- AFP
Kabul Attack Highlights Competing U.S., Taliban Urban Strategies -- Radio Free Europe
Strong NATO Afghan civilian role could go to UK -- Reuters
NATO planning to appoint civilian boss in Afghanistan to co-ordinate with military -- Canadian Press
Afghan security forces to be increased by 100,000 -- BBC
Big boost in Afghan security forces OKd -- San Francisco Chronicle, AP
Afghan force to number 300,000 by 2011 -- ABC News (Australia)
Afghan forces to get big boost -- Toronto Star
UN: Afghan Corruption Matches Scale Of Opium Trade -- Radio Free Europe
UN Afghanistan survey points to huge scale of bribery -- RAWA News
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ISAF Chief Calls for New German Strategy -- Spiegel Online
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