Afghan War News Daily Update - April 4, 2012

An ANASF instructor teaches tactics
to a member of the Afghan Local
Police (ALP). (Photo MC1 Leistkow,
CJSOTF-A Media Opns Center)

Here are some news reports and commentary about Afghanistan over the past few days.

Talking with the Taliban. Some see no alternative to an Afghanistan that survives 2014 than to negotiate with the Taliban. See "Talks with the Taliban: There is no other way", by Syed Moazzam Hashmi, The AFPAK Channel, April 4, 2012.

Kabul Bank Scandal. Threats of diminished aid to Afghanistan prompts Karzai to finally investigate the corruption associated with the Kabul Bank. Unfortunately nothing will come of this. See "Kabul Bank scandal: Hamid Karzai sets up special tribunal", The Guardian, April 4, 2012.

Are U.S. Goals in Afghanistan Attainable? The Atlantic asks several commentators if the U.S. can achieve its goals in Afghanistan.  See "Will the U.S. Win in Afghanistan?", The Atlantic, April 4, 2012.

Nights Raids. How much did we give up?  See "U.S. Afghanistan may be close to night raids deal", CNN, April 4, 2012.

Iran Agitating in Afghanistan. See "Iran's Efforts to Stir Afghan Violence Worry U.S.", The New York Times, April 4, 2012.

Construction Continues for Afghanistan's Security Forces. Despite the withdrawal from Afghanistan construction still continues for the Afghan National Security Forces. Read more in "Contracting officials award $137 million for Afghanistan Engineer District - North", DVIDS, April 4, 2012.