- Obama authorizes new action against Taliban in Afghanistan
Blast walls mushroom in the Afghan capital after each massive attack or a big bombing, turning Kabul into a maze of concrete in a sad testimony that war still remains very much part of life here. – Associated Press
Stephen Biddle writes: Various policy changes would help in Afghanistan, from increased U.S. air support for ANDSF forces to reduced ANDSF corruption and cronyism. But none will matter without a settlement, and the ubiquitous calendar deadlines that delay negotiations thus undermine everything else, too. The best thing Washington can do is to break its deadline habit now. – Defense One
In a war-weary country steeped in cynicism, the re-energized Major Crimes Task Force of the national police seems plucked from central casting — down to the hard-boiled search for justice as it pursues the goal of rooting out government corruption in Afghanistan. – Washington Post
An American journalist for NPR was killed on Sunday afternoon along with his Afghan translator in a Taliban ambush in southern Afghanistan, the Afghan military confirmed. NPR also confirmed their deaths on Sunday. – New York Times
A planned drawdown of U.S. troops in Afghanistan threatens to set back progress in the 15-year war and could allow militants to establish a greater foothold there, a group of 13 retired U.S. generals and senior diplomats have warned President Barack Obama. – Stars and Stripes
Afghanistan's new A-29 Super Tucano ground attack aircraft have increasingly been used against Taliban targets, but only with unguided "dumb" bombs, an official said – Military.com
The illegal mining of some of Afghanistan's most important minerals is funneling millions of dollars into the hands of insurgents and corrupt warlords, according to activists and officials who say the money is fuelling the conflict. - Reuters
Interview: Sopko told the Washington Examiner during an interview in his Arlington office that he's optimistic that forcing a conversation on decades-old problems with how the U.S. government functions can bring about change. He also gave a preview of what's coming from his office over the next couple months. – Washington Examiner
Three attackers fatally shot and stabbed the wife of a police superintendent in southern Bangladesh on Sunday morning, the police said, the latest in a series of killings in which Islamist militants are the primary suspects. – New York Times