No U.S. troop cuts soon in Afghanistan
The U.S. military plans no troop cuts in Afghanistan before March, as fighting intensifies against Taliban forces that have gained influence in a political and security “vacuum” in the southern part of the country, according to a senior U.S. commander.
“Our troop levels in Afghanistan will remain about steady through … February,” said Lt. Gen. Karl Eikenberry, who leads the Combined Forces Command in Afghanistan. There are approximately 20,000 U.S. troops in Afghanistan, the highest number since the U.S.-led invasion in October 2001 to overthrow the Taliban government.
Eikenberry said Taliban fighters and extremists have grown more numerous, organized and determined in some parts of the south and southeast.
Palu, Indonesia
Christian militants executed for attack
Three Christian militants were executed by firing squad today for leading attacks on Muslims six years ago that left at least 70 people dead, sparking fresh sectarian clashes on restive Sulawesi island, police said.
Mobs torched cars and police posts in several villages before security forces restored order, said Maj. Rudy Sufahriyadi, police chief in the town of Poso. Elsewhere they blockaded roads and threw stones at houses and government offices. At least three people were hurt.
Fabianus Tibo, 60, Marinus Riwu, 48, and Dominggus da Silva, 42, were found guilty of leading a Christian militia that launched a series of attacks in May 2000.
Istanbul, Turkey
Author acquitted of ‘Turkishness’ insult
One of Turkey’s leading authors was acquitted Thursday of “insulting Turkishness” – a crime Western-looking Turks view as an embarrassment and one of the biggest obstacles to joining the European Union.
The speedy court decision was seen as a step toward securing greater freedom of speech, but critics said until the law is abolished, Turkey will remain a place where authors are regularly put on trial.
The government is reluctant to change the law – which makes it a crime to insult Turkey, “Turkishness” or the government – because it has broad nationalist support.
EU officials counter the real damage to Turkey’s image comes from putting writers like Elif Shafak on trial – a case brought by nationalist lawyers because of words spoken by the novelist’s fictional characters.
“I hope that the absurdity of this case – we’re talking about fictional characters – will encourage people that it’s time to act,” said Joost Lagendijk, a senior European Parliament member.