War On Terror News

General James T. Conway Reflects on Four Years, Two Wars

By Sgt. Jimmy D. Shea | Wednesday, December 8, 2010

ARLINGTON, Va. – In late 2006, the United States was engaged in a two-front war with Marines deploying every seven months. Their families were forced to deal with the high deployment tempo and the consequences that came with it. Some returned bearing physical and emotional scars, and were left to deal with their war wounds — alone.

General James T. Conway decided it was time to address those issues when taking the helm as the 34th commandant of the Marine Corps. He had many goals to support Marines in the long war. Increasing dwell time between deployments and wounded warrior care were among his many successful initiatives.

“For the entire time that I’ve been the commandant, we’ve been at war,” Conway said. “The number one priority has always been to win these conflicts and provide for the Marines at the point of the spear.”

Providing for those who served at the tip of the spear included

Danish Security Foils 'Imminent' Terror Attack

29 December 2010 VOA News Denmark's intelligence service says it has arrested four people plotting what it called an "imminent" terrorist attack against the Jyllands-Posten newspaper, which printed controversial cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad.

The head of the agency, Jakob Scharf, described some of the suspects as "militant Islamists." He said the group had been planning to enter the newspaper's building and kill as many people as possible.

Danish officials said the four arrested were

Bridge Built at Camp Leatherneck Headed to Marjah

12.28.2010 ISAF Joint Command KABUL, Afghanistan – Coalition engineers fabricated a bridge at Camp Leatherneck in Helmand province, Dec. 21, which will later be installed in Marjah and serve as a permanent replacement for a medium-girder bridge.

The bridge is designed to last longer than typical medium-girder bridges and will provide safe and efficient passage for Afghans and coalition forces.

“We have numerous medium-girder bridges placed around Afghanistan, and we are trying to replace them,” said Navy Lt. j.g Joshua A. Senecal, construction officer for the project. “This way we can provide passage in other areas.”

The new bridge is a more permanent solution because it’s built

National Guard Highlights Top 10 Missions of 2010

National Guard Bureau

Soldiers from the Alabama National Guard build and maintain miles of HESCO barriers to protect Dauphin Island, Ala., beaches from the BP oil spill on July 23, 2010. More than 1,600 National Guard members are supporting Operation Deepwater Horizon in four Gulf states. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Jim Greenhill) (Released)

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Kevin O'Brien
By Air Force Tech. Sgt. John Orrell

12.28.2010 ARLINGTON, Va. - This year has been a busy one for members of the National Guard. Here's a look at some of the National Guard's most memorable missions and events in 2010:

Special Forces Medic Treats Injured Afghan

By Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan Public Affairs Office

12.28.2010 KUNDUZ, Afghanistan – A local Afghan man was severely injured after stepping on an insurgent emplaced anti-personnel mine near Qal’a cha village, Kunduz province Dec. 28.

A U.S. Special Forces medic treated the man on site before he was medically evacuated to the coalition-run Kunduz Provincial Reconstruction Team Hospital where he underwent surgery to amputate his right foot. He was then transported to a hospital in Mazar-e Sharif for follow-on treatment.

 

Chavez Dares US to Cut Diplomatic Ties

29 December 2010 VOA News Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has dared the United States to "cut diplomatic relations" amid a dispute over the White House's choice of a new ambassador in Caracas.

Mr. Chavez said Tuesday the U.S. "can do whatever they want," but diplomat Larry Palmer will not be coming to Venezuela.

Palmer was nominated to be U.S. ambassador to Venezuela four months ago.  The U.S. State Department has said Venezuela's rejection of his appointment will have consequences for the countries' already strained relations.

NATO Convoy Attacked in Pakistan

Wednesday, December 29th, 2010 VOA News Officials say Taliban militants have attacked a NATO supply convoy in Pakistan, killing a driver and wounding two other people.

Regional officials say the gunmen attacked the NATO trucks early Wednesday in the Khyber tribal region of northwest Pakistan near the border with Afghanistan.

The trucks were delivering supplies for NATO forces in Afghanistan.

Suicide Bombings Kill 4 Iraqi Police Officers

Wednesday, December 29th, 2010 VOA News Iraqi officials say a police battalion commander and at least three other people have been killed in an attack by three suicide bombers wearing explosive vests.

Police say two of the bombers managed to get inside of the police headquarters in the northern city of Mosul, Wednesday, where they detonated explosives near Lieutenant Colonel Shamel Ahmed Aughla.

Marine Shooter Earns Spot on Team USA

12.28.2010 By Andrew Revelos MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va., - A Marine who barely qualified on the rifle range in boot camp will compete in an international shooting competition next year.

Sgt. Emily Windmassinger of the Marine Corps Rifle Team earned a spot with the USA Young Eagle Rifle Team. In October she'll travel to Brisbane, Australia, to compete in the 2011 Palma World Long Range Championship matches.

As a member of Team USA in the under 25 category, known as the Young Eagles, Windmassinger will shoot in the team and individual competitions.

"I think it's such an awesome opportunity not only for me but for the Marine Corps," she said. "For a long time we've had the tradition of being the best marksmen on and off the battlefield. Now I get to carry on that tradition at an international level ... and show the world what a well-disciplined Marine looks like."

Windmassinger said she wasn't a very good rifle shot during boot camp and

Kandahar Air Wing Flight Medics Complete CASF Training

438th Air Expeditionary Wing

Kandahar Air Wing airmen are instructed on a Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility familiarization course provided by the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing. (U.S. Air Force courtesy photo)

12.28.2010 Story by Vladimir Potapenko KANDAHAR, Afghanistan - Afghan Air Force flight medics from the Kandahar Air Wing recently completed an eight week Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility familiarization course provided by the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing. Afghan Flight Medics are responsible for taking care of patients during aeromedical evacuation flight missions.

During this course, they learned about

New Prison Opens in Kunar, Afghanistan

Kunar reconstruction team attends prison opening

ISAF: KABUL, Afghanistan – Representatives from the Afghan government, most notably Minister of Justice Habibullah Ghaleb and National Director of Prisons Lt. Gen. Amir Jamshid, were on hand for the Kunar Prison ribbon-cutting ceremony Dec. 23.

Ghaleb and Jamshid, alongside Kunar Provincial Gov. Fazlullah Wahidi and U.S. Navy Cmdr. Brian Goss, Kunar Provincial Reconstruction Team commander, officially opened the $1.75 million detention center before a crowd of more than 100 provincial officials and local elders.

Located just north of the Kunar provincial capital of Asadabad in the Shigal district, the facility, built by New Safi Construction and Suppliers, includes 80 male cells, 20 female cells, an administration building, clinic, mosque and dining facility within 1,100 feet (340 meters) of retaining wall.

Quiet holiday highlights Iraq security success

3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment Public Affairs Office

Pilgrims gather in Karbala, Iraq, at a previous commemoration of the Muslim holiday of Ashoura Jan. 19, 2008. The 10-day event commemorates the death of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the prophet Mohammad, near the city 1,300 years ago. As many as 4 million people participated in the December 2010 holiday, an event for which Iraqi Security Forces took the lead in the protection of participating pilgrims. (Archived U.S. Army photo/Sgt. Nicole Dykstra)

12.28.2010 Story by Jason Billington KARBALA PROVINCE, Iraq – As Shiite pilgrims slowly filtered out of religious shrines in Karbala Dec. 17, the quiet passing of the Muslim religious holiday of Ashoura made a loud statement about the capabilities of Iraqi security forces in the area.

As many as 4 million pilgrims took part in the 2010 Ashoura, including 200,000 foreigners from 24 separate countries, according to Iraqi estimates. The security of Ashoura participants and the areas surrounding holy shrines in Karbala was the sole responsibility of Iraqi security forces, who assumed the security lead for the country as part of Operation New Dawn Sept. 1.

The Muslim holiday of Ashoura, translated

TF White Eagle seize Munitions in Ghazni Province

Combined Joint Task Force 101

Soldiers from Task Force White Eagle and U.S. Army Company A, Sappers, 86th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, conducted a joint operation in a small village near Ghazni City, Dec. 27, which resulted in the discovery of an illegal weapons cache.

12.28.2010 By Artur Weber TF White Eagle PAO GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Soldiers from Task Force White Eagle and U.S. Army Company A (Sappers) 86th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, conducted a joint operation in a small village near Ghazni City Dec. 27, which resulted in the discovery of an illegal weapons cache.

War In Afghanistan News 29 Dec 2010

War in Afghanistan News reports provided by ISAF Joint Command.  Operations are reported in the following provinces:  Kapisa, Bamyan, Khost, Kunduz, Zabul, Nimroz, Nangarhar and Kandahar.

Forces detained Taliban explosive device ‘doctor’ in Kandahar Province and more than 15 insurgents were killed by Afghan National Security Forces and International Security Assistance Force during separate operations in southern and eastern Afghanistan over the last 24 hours. 

Somali Pirates Release 1 Ship, Seize Another

Tuesday, December 28th, 2010 VOA News Maritime officials say Somali pirates have released a German-owned chemical tanker with its crew of 22, more than seven months after seizing the vessel.

The Marshall-islands flagged tanker was seized in May about 200 kilometers south of Oman by pirates firing automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades.

The crew consists of 19 Indians, two Bangladeshis and one Ukrainian.

Also Tuesday, Somali pirates seized

New York Museum Puts Civil War Information Online

New York State Military Museum Puts Information on 360,000 Civil War Soldiers Online

12.27.2010 SARATOGA SPRINGS , N.Y. -- As the Nation prepares to observe the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, the New York State Military History Museum and Veterans Research Center is making capsule histories of 360,000 New York Civil War Soldiers available online.

The entire roster of New Yorkers who served during the Civil War Years, 1861-1865, is now available online, as well as the five annual reports issued by the Bureau of Military Statistics from 1864 to 1868 that chronicle the accomplishments of New Yorkers in battle.

Venezuela Reports Significant Increase in Drug-Related Arrests

Tuesday, December 28th, 2010 VOA News Venezuela says it has detained about 40-percent more people for drug-related crimes this year, compared to 2009.

The National Drug Enforcement Agency said Monday authorities had arrested 12,376 people as of mid-December, including 371 foreigners. It said just over 8,700 had been arrested by last December.

The AVN state news agency says “achievements of the security forces in action” against drug trafficking show the country's contributions in the fight against the “global scourge.”

MWR opens on Camp Leatherneck

Regional Command Southwest

12.27.2010 Story by Sgt. Shawn Coolman CAMP LEATHERNECK, Helmand province, Afghanistan – A new Morale, Welfare and Recreation facility opened for service members on Camp Leatherneck with a ribbon cutting ceremony, Dec. 27.

Maj. Gen. Richard Mills, commanding general of Regional Command Southwest (second from left), along with other civilian and military leaders cut the ribbon signifying the opening of the new Morale, Welfare and Recreation facility on Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Dec. 27. Photo by Sgt. Shawn Coolman

The facility, which will be open 24-hours a day, seven days a week, is equipped with televisions, movies, video and board games, books, foosball and pool tables for service members to use.

“When you’re not working you ought to have a little time to relax, a little bit of time to take some of the stress off, and this gives us a great facility to do that,” said Maj. Gen. Richard Mills, commanding general of Regional Command Southwest.

Colonel Cites Measurable, But Fragile, Afghan Progress

Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs

12.28.2010 Story by Jim Garamone WASHINGTON - Measurable progress has been achieved in Afghanistan's Khost and Paktia provinces, but it is fragile, Army Col. Viet Luong, commander of the American task force in the area, said, Dec. 28.

Luong spoke to the Pentagon press corps via teleconference. The commander of the 101st Airborne Division's 3rd Brigade Combat Team also said that Afghan security forces in his area are operating independently.

Marine honored for heroism, courage

12/22/2010  By Lance Cpl. Garry J. Welch, Marine Corps Bases Japan

CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, Japan  — Running into a hail of bullets to save lives is not something just anyone would do, but Marines who have earned our country’s highest awards for heroism have done just that.

Most citations tell of men running through enemy fire to win battles, but for 1st Lt. Jeremiah J. Davis, a company mentor while deployed to Afghanistan, now assigned to 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, the story is a little different.

Two Pakistanis Held on UAE Terror Charges

Tuesday, December 28th, 2010 VOA News A newspaper in the United Arab Emirates is reporting that two Pakistani brothers are on trial accused of funding and recruiting for al-Qaida in Pakistan.

The National reports that the Pakistanis are charged with running a jihadist organization and aiding al-Qaida. The daily says the men admitted links to the terror group and to communicating with a senior al-Qaida member.

French Hostage Taken in Somalia Still Alive

Tuesday, December 28th, 2010 VOA News France's foreign intelligence service said Tuesday it has evidence that French hostage Denis Allex, who was kidnapped in Somalia last year, is alive.

Allex, a French secret service agent in Somalia training government forces, was taken by an Islamist group from his hotel in Mogadishu on July 14, 2009.

Bazaar comes to JSAS for AUP recruits

Regional Command Southwest

Afghan uniformed police recruits, along with their Ministry of Interior instructors, purchase items at a bazaar at the Joint Security Academy Southwest, here, Dec. 27. Photo by Pfc. Mark A. Garcia

12.27.2010 Story by Pfc. Mark A. Garcia CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Afghan uniformed police recruits along with their Ministry of Interior instructors were able to go to a bazaar at the Joint Security Academy Southwest here, Dec. 27.

The bazaar usually comes to JSAS once a week so that the Afghan recruits and MOI instructors can purchase commodities that would otherwise be unavailable to them.

Nellis Air Base Train Local Canine Units

Nellis hosts joint explosive detection training exercise for local canine units

99th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

12/27/2010 -by 2nd Lt. Laura Balch NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. (AFNS) -- Military working dog handlers from the 99th Security Forces Squadron here worked with 25 canine teams from Las Vegas during an explosive detection training exercise here recently.

Staff Sgt. Bobbie Ohm walks with Nero, a MWD, to search for explosives during a joint explosive detection training exercise Dec. 16, 2010, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Sergeant Ohm is a 99th SFS MWD handler. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Brett Clashman)

Handlers and dogs from local casinos, including the Las Vegas Convention Center; Hoover Dam; Las Vegas Monorail; University of Nevada, Las Vegas; Transportation Security Administration; Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms; and the U.S. Marshals Service participated in the exercise.

"There are so many handlers and dogs

More Afghan Eagles depart Kabul for America

438th Air Expeditionary Wing

Members of the Afghan air force from the Thunder Lab, an English immersion program at the Afghan air force base in Kabul, Afghanistan and their NATO Air Training Command-Afghanistan advisors pose for a group photo with Lt. Jawid Karimi and Fazal Karim Faqeer (center), at the Kabul Internation Airport before Karimi and Fareer leave for further training in America. Photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Jared Walker

12.27.2010 Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Jared Walker KABUL, Afghanistan - Two pilot candidates in the Afghan Air Force left Kabul International Airport, Dec. 27, to proceed to advanced training in the U.S.

The two AAF officers, Lt. Jawid Karimi and Lt. Fazal Karim Faqeer, are going directly to the U.S. for language training at Defense Language Institute in San Antonio, Texas, and then to pilot training at either Columbus Air Force Base, Miss. for fixed wing aircraft or Fort Rucker, Ala., for helicopters.

Both of the lieutenants

Muslim-American Rapper Bridges Faith and Music

27 December 2010 Arash Arabasadi | New York City VOA News Music and religion often go hand-in-hand. The traditions of many religions bring song and prayer together to engage followers of all ages and faiths. This type of crowd participation helps create the religious experience. Often, the American popular music scene is at odds with the beliefs of devout, religious followers. But, for one American rapper, the mixing of those two worlds serves as a tool to bridge faiths, cultures and stereotypes.

Where else but in the heart of New York City could one find a Muslim, American, Irish-Iranian rapper?

Talking Trash in Paktiya

Afghans talk trash with Paktiya Provincial Reconstruction Team

12.27.2010 ISAF Joint Command KABUL, Afghanistan – Gardez residents recently told members of the Paktiya Provincial Reconstruction Team they want the local government to clean up its act.

“There’s trash everywhere," said one Gardez store owner during a reconstruction team market walk. "And the municipalities are not doing anything to clean these streets.”

Local Afghan government officials working in the municipal office have partnered with the U.S. Agency for International Development on the Regional Afghan Municipal Program for Urban Populations program, also known as RAMP UP.

RAMP UP focuses on

B-52 Tail-gunner Recalls MiG Downing

12.27.2010 By Air Force Staff Sgt. Don Branum U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - If the landmarks here could speak, the B-52 Stratofortress bomber sitting near the academy's north gate would have quite a Vietnam War story to tell.

The B-52 Stratofortress known as "Diamond Lil" sits near the north entrance of the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., Dec. 23, 2010. Diamond Lil's tail gunner, Airman 1st Class Albert Moore, shot down a North Vietnamese MiG on Dec. 24, 1972. Diamond Lil came to the Academy after it was decommissioned in 1983. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Don Branum)

The crew of the "Diamond Lil," a B-52D, tail number 55-083, took off from Utapao Royal Thai Naval Airfield on Christmas Eve in 1972. The crew's mission was to bomb the North Vietnamese railroad yards at Thai Nguyen as part of Operation Linebacker II, which took place Dec. 18 to 29, 1972.

However, the Diamond Lil's crew faced enemy air power. A North Vietnamese MiG-21 raced to intercept the B-52. The bomber's tail gunner, Airman 1st Class Albert Moore, noticed the MiG's approach.

Pakistan’s Ruling Coalition Hit By More Defections

Tuesday, December 28th, 2010 VOA News A key member of Pakistan's ruling coalition is threatening to quit, in what could be a major blow to the government of Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani.

The Karachi-based Muttahida Qaumi Movement says its two Cabinet ministers will resign Tuesday. Party leaders cite corruption and rising prices as the main reasons for the decision.

The MQM holds

Nangarhar hosts regional Peace Conference

ISAF Joint Command 12.27.2010 KABUL, Afghanistan – Nangarhar Gov. Gul Agha Sherzai hosted the governors and various representatives from Kunar, Nuristan and Laghman provinces, as well as members of the national High Peace Council, at his palace Dec. 21 and 22, for a conference about the peace process and the Afghan Peace and Reintegration Program.

The purpose of the conference was to give the representatives from Kabul a better understanding of the situation in Afghanistan’s diverse regions so they can craft a national strategy for peace and reintegration, said Professor Burhanuddin Rabbani, chairman of Afghanistan’s High Peace Council.

“Peace is not [just] a governmental process,” Rabbani said, while addressing the nearly 800 conference attendees. “This is not just the

Suspected US Drones Kill 7 Militants in Pakistan

Tuesday, December 28th, 2010 VOA News Pakistani intelligence officials say two suspected U.S. drone strikes have killed at least six people in Pakistan's northwestern tribal region.

The officials said the first attack Tuesday struck a house in the North Waziristan region near the Afghan border, killing at least four militants.

A short time later, officials say the second attack hit

RIP Sgt Garrett A. Misener

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. 

                Sgt. Garrett A. Misener, 25, of Cordova, Tenn., died Dec. 27 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C. 

"He which hath no stomach to this fight let him depart. But we in it shall be remembered. We few, we happy few, we band of brothers!! For he today, that sheds his blood with me, shall always be my brother.”  (W.Shakespeare)  Rest in peace my Brothers, you have not been forgotten.

Semper Fi Fund founder nominated for award

Marine Corps Air Station Miramar

12.27.2010 Story by Lance Cpl. Lisa Tourtelot MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. - The Military Spouse of the Year nominations are in, and one nomination stands out among the rest.

Karen Guenther, founder and president of the Semper Fi Fund, was nominated for the 2011 Military Spouse of the Year award by Joshua Bliell, a Marine injured in Fallujah in 2006.

Bliell, now a community spokesperson for the Indianapolis Colts, lost both of his legs in Fallujah, credits Guenther with saving his life while he was in the hospital and calls her his guardian angel.

RIP Corporal Steven Thomas Dunn

Corporal Steven Thomas Dunn from 216 (Parachute) Signal Squadron, attached to 2nd Battalion the Parachute Regiment Battlegroup, was killed when the Jackal vehicle he was travelling in in the Bowri desert hit an improvised explosive device on Tuesday, 21 December 2010.

• Corporal Steven Thomas Dunn from 216 (Parachute) Signal Squadron, attached to 2nd Battalion the Parachute Regiment Battlegroup, aged 27 from Gateshead

"He which hath no stomach to this fight let him depart. But we in it shall be remembered. We few, we happy few, we band of brothers!! For he today, that sheds his blood with me, shall always be my brother.”  (W.Shakespeare)  Rest in peace my Brothers, you have not been forgotten.

Spanish forces increase security in Badghis

12.27.2010 KABUL, Afghanistan – The Spanish Task Force Badghis completed a new observation post in Badghis province Dec. 24.

The new Observation Post Echo will improve freedom of movement in the province for Afghan National Security and International Security Assistance Forces, while increasing security for local workers completing the “ring road.”

Preparing Civilians for Deployment

Camp Atterbury Public Affairs

Members of the Civilian Expeditionary Workforce perform a training exercise to get a stalled reconstruction project back on schedule at Muscatatuck Urban Training Center, Ind., Oct. 23. Photo by Sgt. David Bruce

12.27.2010 Story by Sgt. David Bruce CAMP ATTERBURY JOINT MANEUVER TRAINING CENTER, Ind. — It is a familiar sight to any soldier: people waiting in line for deployment processing. Seemingly endless queues as personnel move though the stations; medical, check; dental, check; finance, check. And on the process goes.

It is a familiar sight, nothing new here. Except these aren’t soldiers.

Coalition forces continue Operation 'Free Market'

ISAF Joint Command 12.27.2010 KABUL, Afghanistan – Soldiers from the Afghan National and Italian army participate in Operation Bazar Arad (Free Market) in the Bala Murghab village, Murghab District, Badghis province since its beginning on Nov. 19.

The purpose of the operation is to enlarge the security bubble and provide safety and welfare to the citizens of Murghab.

War In Afghanistan News 28 Dec 2010

War in Afghanistan News reports provided by ISAF Joint Command.  Operations are reported in the following provinces:  Helmand, Kapisa, Uruzgan, Kandahar, Ghazni, Kunduz and Nimroz.

Numerous insurgents were killed in two separate incidents in Helmand and Kandahar, when they fled from their vehicles and attempted to engage the joint Afghan national security and International Security Assistance Force.

In Kandahar, Ghazni and Logar provinces, combined patrols found four weapons and improvised explosive device components caches in Panjwa’i, Bahram-e Shahid, Muhammad Aghah and Arghandab districts during separate clearing operations. The caches consisted of 1,600 .50 caliber rounds, 1,650 12.7 mm rounds, 12 chest racks, 11 pressure plates, 260 14.5 mm rounds, three rocket-propelled grenades, 200 7.62 mm rounds, 122 82 mm mortar rounds and several IED making electrical components

Suicide Bombers Kill At Least 17 People in Iraq

Tuesday, December 28th, 2010 VOA News Iraqi authorities say a double suicide bombing near a provincial government compound in the western city of Ramadi has killed at least 17 people and wounded about 45 others.

Officials say a suicide bomber detonated a minibus packed with explosives at an intersection near the offices of the Anbar provincial administration.

They say a second bomber disguised as a policeman blew himself up minutes later in a crowd of people trying to help the victims of the first blast.

Reports Offer Conflicting Takes on Afghan Security

Monday, December 27th, 2010 VOA News Two prominent U.S. newspapers are offering conflicting takes on NATO's military progress in Afghanistan.

On Monday, the Wall Street Journal reported that the security situation in Afghanistan grew worse this year, according to two confidential U.N. maps.

The article says they show the security situation grew worse from March to October. The U.N. maps are used to gauge the dangers of traveling and working in different regions.

Meanwhile, the New York Times reports that allied operations