Global Voices Online

Nick Fielding reviews a new report from the “Cooperation for Peace and Unity” organisation, which notes that local conflict in Afghanistan is increasing at a faster rate than the insurgency and armed conflict.

Joshua Foust analyzes the news about Iranian weapons for the Taliban in western Afghanistan, and reflects whether it is a deliberate policy or a coincidental or rogue activity within southeastern Iran.

Colla reviews the annual report by Amnesty International on Afghanistan, calling it “shocking and shameful”, as it says that people are being terrorized both by the Taleban insurgents and by local militias.

A new YouTube character, the cartoon guy, reads out the usual list of highly imaginative battle reports in Afghanistan, literally quoting official press-releases of the Taliban, Colla says.

Joshua Foust reflects on the fact of change of command in Afghanistan between General McKiernan and General McChrystal, and what it may mean for the further strategies.

Onne Parl shares his travelogue notes and pictures about his trip from Kabul to the Balkh province of Afghanistan.

Colla reviews the first report by the Office of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction, which noted that the military command overseeing $15bn in US military aid cannot be sure the money is being managed effectively.

Colla says the Taliban has issued detailed statistics for its operations in Afghanistan during the month of April, and finds that the figures they produce make interesting reading.

Joshua Foust reports on a coordinated suicide attack on government buildings in Afghanistan that took between 10 and 20 lives.