Taliban Joining ALP in Northern Afghanistan

Recent reports indicate that the Taliban are being allowed to join the Afghan Local Police (ALP) in northern Afghanistan.  Reports vary on the actual numbers - depends on which news article you read.  A recent military press conference indicates there is less than a handful - but other press reports are more critical of the situation.  Here is one online posting that is critical of the plan of reintegration of Taliban into local militias or ALP.  See "For a Handful of Dollars: Taleban allowed to join ALP", Afghanistan Analysts Network, January 9, 2011.