KX News: Afghanistan

Insurer's warning...More wind and snow...Stocks higher...

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 04:02:00 GMT

Congressional investigators are looking into whether the government missed warning signs about acceleration problems in Toyota vehicles. State Farm, the largest auto insurer in the U.S., says it alerted federal regulators in 2007 about an increase in

Major operation...Deadly avalanches...Stocks gain

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 03:06:00 GMT

U.S. Army soldiers have launched a major operation in southern Afghanistan. It's in support of a planned U.S.-Afghan attack on the largest town controlled by the Taliban in the region. Large plumes of smoke can be seen in the area. There are no repor

NEAR LASHKAR GAH, AFGHANISTAN (AP) US, Afghan soldiers launch...

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 01:56:00 GMT

UN appeals for $538M in Pakistan humanitarian aid

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:53:00 GMT

The U.N. has made an international appeal for $538 million over the next six months for aid groups in Pakistan trying to help hundreds of thousands of people displaced by army clashes against the Taliban. The appeal comes as much of the world's

NATO warns Afghans to keep their 'heads down'

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 22:05:00 GMT

NATO and Afghan officials are urging Taliban militants holding a southern town to lay down their arms and are warning civilians there to keep their heads down. U.S. and Afghan troops are preparing their first major offensive of the U.S. troop su

Gates wants Iran sanctions in 'weeks, not months'

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:27:00 GMT

U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates wants to see the United Nations slap sanctions on Iran in "weeks, not months." Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell told reporters Tuesday that Gates "clearly thinks time is of the essence." Gates is returning to

Update on the latest news, sports, business and entertainment:...

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 05:26:00 GMT

Israel says it's more proof that Iran is "ridiculing the entire world." It's Israel's reaction to Iran's official notification today that it will be enriching at least some of its uranium. Just getting the stockpile to 20 percent enrichment,

Yemen's alQaida deputy chief urges new attacks

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 04:37:00 GMT

The deputy chief of al-Qaida's offshoot in Yemen has called for attacks on Saudi Arabia and U.S. interests in the region. Said al-Shihri urged followers in an audio message posted Monday on the Internet "to attack the interests of America and th

(Following Advance for Use Wednesday, Feb. 17)

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 03:55:00 GMT

Today in History Today is Ash Wednesday, Feb. 17, the 48th day of 2010. There are 317 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Feb. 17, 1897, the forerunner of the National PTA, the National Congress of Mothers,

(Following Advance for Use Monday, Feb. 15)

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 03:55:00 GMT

Today in History Today is Monday, Feb. 15, the 46th day of 2010. There are 319 days left in the year. This is Presidents' Day. Today's Highlight in History: On Feb. 15, 1898, the U.S. battleship Maine mysteriously blew up in H

(Following Advance for Use Sunday, Feb. 14)

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 03:55:00 GMT

Today in History Today is Sunday, Feb. 14, the 45th day of 2010. There are 320 days left in the year. This is Valentine's Day. Today's Highlight in History: On Feb. 14, 1920, the League of Women Voters was founded in Chicago;

NATO: bomb kills 2 service members in Afghanistan

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 21:16:00 GMT

NATO says a bomb has killed two foreign service members in southern Afghanistan. A statement issued Monday says the attack occurred Sunday but does not provide a specific location or give the nationalities of the troops. The deaths come as

Update on the latest news, sports, business and entertainment:...

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 17:06:00 GMT

They're celebrating Mardi Gras early in New Orleans. The underdog New Orleans Saints rallied with 15 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to shock the Indianapolis Colts 31-17 to win Super Bowl 44. The Saints, a symbol of hope in the re

"Sonic boom"...Accepting the invite...Colts leading...

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 13:08:00 GMT

Middletown, Conn.'s mayor says a deadly explosion at an unfinished power plant felt "almost like a sonic boom." At least five people were killed and a dozen or more injured. Mayor Sebastian Giuliano called it a gas explosion, but said the exact cause

Hundreds flee southern Afghan town ahead of planned NATO offensive...

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 10:27:00 GMT

Hundreds of residents are fleeing a Taliban-controlled town in southern Afghanistan ahead of a planned NATO offensive there. Witnesses say militants in the town of Marjah in Helmand province have been reinforcing their positions with rocket-pro

(Following Advance for Use Wednesday, Feb. 17)

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 02:45:00 GMT

(Following Advance for Use Monday, Feb. 15)

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 02:45:00 GMT

(Following Advance for Use Sunday, Feb. 14)

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 02:45:00 GMT

MidAtlantic emerging from blizzard...NASA looks to tomorrow for...

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 01:56:00 GMT

Roads are reopening across the Mid-Atlantic region after the big blizzard but officials continue to warn people that highways could be icy and treacherous. Residents from Pennsylvania to Virginia are digging out from more than two feet of snow in som

Karzai: Afghanistan may institute conscription

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 23:36:00 GMT

Afghan President Hamid Karzai says he is looking at instituting conscription to meet the goals of a building an army of sufficient size to provide security. Karzai told a conference of the world's top defense officials in Munich Sunday that he w

NASA will try again tomorrow...Blizzard recovery

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 22:54:00 GMT

NASA has called everything off for today and will try again tomorrow to launch space shuttle Endeavour to the international space station. A band of low clouds started moving into the area late yesterday and forced the delay. WASHINGTON (AP)

Super Bowl Sunday at the White House

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 22:12:00 GMT

President Barack Obama and the first lady are ready for some football. The first couple will host a Super Bowl party Sunday for lawmakers, Cabinet members and service members who were injured in Iraq and Afghanistan, and their families. That's i

Storm strikes...Job plans debated...Missing contractor in video...

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 02:45:00 GMT

Winds on top of heavy snow are a concern in parts of the mid-Atlantic region this morning. A Washington D.C. fire department spokesman says things have been "fairly manageable, but trees are starting to come down." Snow totals so far range from 10

Obama to attend DNC meeting, host Super Bowl party

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 23:08:00 GMT

Two favorite American pastimes politics and football are on President Barack Obama's weekend agenda. The president ventures out into an epic Washington snow on Saturday to address the winter meeting of the Democratic National Committee. That e

Blizzard slows MidAtlantic to a crawl...Report: more complaints...

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 23:08:00 GMT

Trees have toppled onto apartment buildings and cars as a blizzard batters the mid-Atlantic region this morning. Two deaths have been reported. Airlines canceled flights, Amtrak canceled service and churches called off weekend worship as officials wa

Update on the latest news, sports, business and entertainment:...

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 19:24:00 GMT

Some forecasters are predicting the biggest storm in modern history for the nation's capital and blizzard-like conditions are making themselves felt. Authorities blamed the storm for hundreds of accidents and the deaths of father-son Samaritans

DC blizzard...Civilian shooting in Afghanistan

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 19:03:00 GMT

Blizzard conditions that blew into the mid-Atlantic region have some forecasters predicting the biggest storm in modern history for the nation's capital. Authorities blamed the storm for hundreds of accidents and the deaths of father-son Samaritans i

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (AP) Afghan police say border patrol...

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 17:06:00 GMT

Army curtails plan to cut spending for world bases

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 06:43:00 GMT

The Army is curtailing a plan to cut spending on its bases around the world that had raised concerns about services for military families. Secretary of the Army John M. McHugh announced the step Friday in a statement. He said the Army will add $

Jobless rate slips, stocks mixed...Big snowstorm...Families...

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 03:06:00 GMT

Stocks are narrowly mixed in early trading after the unemployment rate unexpectely dipped last month. The Labor Department says the unemployment rate fell to 9.7 percent from 10 percent in December. However, employers cut 20,000 jobs last month, more

US to share classified technology with allies

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 01:35:00 GMT

Defense Secretary Robert Gates says the U.S. will sell to its NATO allies in Afghanistan mine-resistant vehicles and other equipment to protect against roadside bombs. Gates says the vehicles can be spared because fewer U.S. troops will be in

Ready, set, snow...Good news for small business owners...Bankers...

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:53:00 GMT

Residents in the mid-Atlantic region are hunkering down for a very big snowstorm. The region expects up to two feet of snow this weekend, and it's due to start falling in a few hours. Schools are closed and airlines have canceled flights and begun mo

France: 80 more military trainers for Afghanistan

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:25:00 GMT

France says it's planning to send another 80 military trainers to Afghanistan. A ministry spokesman says French Defense Minister Herve Morin told his counterparts of the plans at a NATO meeting in Istanbul. Ministry spokesman Laurent Teisse

NATO chief predicts improvements in Afghanistan

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 23:22:00 GMT

NATO's chief says the situation in Afghanistan is improving after a difficult year. In a speech to a two-day NATO meeting about the war today, Anders Fogh Rasmussen (AHN'-derz FOHG RAHS'-moo-sihn) echoed the assessment of Gen. Stanley McChrystal

Obama to help commemorate 7 slain CIA employees

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 22:12:00 GMT

President Barack Obama is attending a memorial service for the seven CIA employees killed Dec. 30 in Afghanistan by a suicide bomber. The president will deliver remarks at the service at CIA headquarters in Langley, Va. The ceremony will be clos

Afghanistan: Blast at dog fight kills 3, wounds 26

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 20:55:00 GMT

Police say an explosion outside a dog fight in southern Afghanistan has killed at least three people and wounded 26. Deputy provincial police chief Kamal Uddin says the explosives-packed motorcycle was parked near a crowd gathered to watch the

Obama tells Democrats to keep faith

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 11:44:00 GMT

President Barack Obama is asking fellow Democrats to have patience as he tries to deliver the change he promised during his campaign. Obama spoke at a Washington hotel to donors and supporters of his political organization, Organizing for Americ

Suicide bombing kills at least six

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 09:03:00 GMT

At least six people are dead after a suicide bomb attack near a hotel in southern Afghanistan. Officials say the bomber struck near a hotel in Kandahar. Nearly two dozen other people were hurt. The blast happened as NATO and Afghan forces a

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:14:00 GMT

1:45 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010 For editorial questions, call Bernadette Tuazon, (800-845-8450, ext. 7636). For technical and service questions, call the AP Global Customer Support at 877-587-6180 or e-mail apcustomersupport (at) ap.or

Ten Americans charged...Bomber kills six...Debt limit boost is...

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:07:00 GMT

A Haitian attorney says 10 Americans detained in Haiti for trying to take 33 children out of the country after the Jan. 12 earthquake have been charged with child kidnapping. Just minutes earlier, an attorney for the Americans had said he expected ni

Toyota says it will cooperate...Afghan bombing...Obama aunt...

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 06:08:00 GMT

Toyota says it will fully cooperate with an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It's looking into brake problems in the 2010 Prius hybrid. It's the latest setback for Toyota, which has been battered with two major rec

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (AP) Officials say a suicide car bomber...

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 05:26:00 GMT

Bad brakes?...Afghan assessment...Beaches open

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 05:05:00 GMT

It's not part of the Toyota gas-pedal recalls but the hybrid Prius may have some problems of its own. The Transportation Department has opened an investigation into brake problems in the 2010 Prius. Toyota earlier today acknowledged design problems

US war commander sees progress in Afghanistan

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 04:23:00 GMT

The top U.S. military commander in Afghanistan says the security situation there is no longer "deteriorating." The comments by Gen. Stanley McChrystal are in contrast to NATO and Afghan officials who say the Taliban is expanding its influence and

Toyota's problems grow...Hope for retailers...Pakistani anger...

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 04:02:00 GMT

Toyota is acknowledging that it has started fixing problems with the brakes in its Prius hybrid. But it hasn't decided about a recall which would add some of the newer Prius models to the millions of other Toyotas that need to go back to the dealer.

Update on the latest news, sports, business and entertainment:...

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 02:17:00 GMT

The number of newly laid-off workers filing initial claims for jobless benefits rose unexpectedly last week, evidence that layoffs are continuing and jobs remain scarce. The rise is the fourth in the past five weeks. Most economists hoped that c

Toyota woes continue...Retailers see gains...Haiti to determine...

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 02:03:00 GMT

There's a design problem with the antilock brake system in the new Prius (PREE'-uhs), which went on sale last year. Toyota says it has corrected the design for models sold since late January. The latest bad news from the Japanese automaker comes af

US to share antibomb equipment, tech with NATO

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:53:00 GMT

The U.S. is considering a plan that would give NATO allies access to some of the equipment and expertise used by American troops to deter roadside bombs. Much of the U.S. technology and know-how regarding "improvised explosive devices" remotely

Pakistanis protest verdict in scientist's case

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:46:00 GMT

Pakistanis are protesting a Manhattan jury's conviction of a Pakistani woman accused of trying to kill Americans while detained in [[kxtopic:afghanistan:t[Afghanistan]:t]]. The nationwide protests underscored the fierce passions surrounding the

Toyota: Design flaw in Prius brakes...Police: Suicide bomber...

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 20:55:00 GMT

Toyota is admitting there were design problems with the antilock brake system in the new Prius, which went on sale last year. But a spokeswoman says the automaker corrected the design for Prius models sold since late January. She says Toyota is still

Pakistani Police: attacker may have had inside info...Taliban...

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:52:00 GMT

Police say they're investigating whether an attacker had inside information on the location of some U.S. troops when he rammed his car into their vehicle, killing three. A police official says Pakistani authorities are investigating whether the bombe

US: Taliban leader dead...Obama promoting energy programs...

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:03:00 GMT

No one is confirming anything but a senior intelligence figure says the U.S. now believes Pakistani Taliban leader Hakimullah Mehsud is dead. A drone missile strike last month targeted his suspected location. Mehsud's al-Qaida-allied movement was bla

Officials: Taliban leader killed...Prius problems...Casino crash...

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:59:00 GMT

A senior intelligence official says the U.S. believes Pakistani Taliban leader Hakimullah Mehsud died following a drone missile attack last month. Mehsud took responsibility for a wave of attacks inside Pakistan and is suspected in the deadly assau

URGENT

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:03:00 GMT

A senior intelligence official says the U.S. believes Pakistani Taliban leader Hakimullah Mehsud died following a missile attack last month. It's the first indication the U.S. has given about Mehsud's fate since the drone attack. There's been

Update on the latest news, sports, business and entertainment:...

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:04:00 GMT

Attorney General Eric Holder says he was the one who made the decision, but the FBI informed its partners in the intelligence community that the Christmas Day terror suspect would be charged in civilian court and that no objections were raised.

UStrained Pakistani scientist convicted of trying to kill...

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 09:17:00 GMT

A federal jury in Manhattan has convicted a U.S.-trained Pakistani scientist on two counts of attempted murder for firing a rifle at U.S. soldiers while she was under detention in Afghanistan. Aafia Siddiqui's (ah-FEE'-ah see-DEE'-keez) trial wa

CORRECTS 15th NewsMinute story

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 08:35:00 GMT

Attorney General Eric Holder says it was his decision and he heard no objections from any other government agencies. He's talking about the decision to charge the Christmas Day terror suspect in civilian court, rather than the military system. Meanw

Holder's decision...Scientist convicted...Brown wants to take...

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 08:07:00 GMT

Scientist convicted of trying to kill Americans

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 07:32:00 GMT

A U.S.-trained Pakistani scientist has been convicted of charges she tried to kill Americans while she was detained in Afghanistan. A Manhattan jury found Aafia Siddiqui (ah-FEE'-uh sih-DEE'-kee) guilty Wednesday of seven counts of attempted mur

NEW YORK (AP) Pakistani scientist is convicted of trying to...

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 07:32:00 GMT

Marines brace for battle in southern Afghanistan

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:18:00 GMT

U.S. troops are bracing for the biggest joint offensive since the start of the Afghan war. Officers say the troops will be joining their Afghan and NATO allies, targeting a southern town that's believed to be a big Taliban stronghold and a hub f

U.S. intel warning...Afghan bombing kills 2 Americans...Deadly...

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 20:55:00 GMT

There's a warning from top U.S. intelligence officials. CIA Director Leon Panetta told Congress on Tuesday that al-Qaida is deploying operatives to the U.S. to carry out new attacks from inside the country. Panetta says the terrorist group could stri

Toyota troubles...Report: AIG plans round of bonuses...Latest on...

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 19:45:00 GMT

Toyota has been hit by more than 100 complaints in the U.S. and Japan about brake problems with the popular Prius (PREE'-uhs) hybrid. It's the latest in a spate of quality troubles for the automaker. Toyota's sales are being battered in the U.S. af

2 Americans die in Afghanistan...Abdulmutallab cooperating...Prius...

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 18:56:00 GMT

Two U.S. service members have been killed in a bomb strike in southern Afghanistan. NATO forces say the attack happened Tuesday, but haven't released any more details. An already volatile southern Afghanistan has seen increasing violence over the past

Useful intelligence...More AIG bonuses...Jackson death charges...

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 18:07:00 GMT

A senior administration official says the family of a Nigerian suspect accused of trying to bomb an Detroit-bound airliner persuaded him to cooperate with authorities. Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab (OO'-mahr fah-ROOK' ahb-DOOL'-moo-TAH'-lahb) is said t

2 US service members killed by bomb in Afghanistan

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 17:13:00 GMT

NATO forces say that two U.S. service members were killed in a bomb strike in southern Afghanistan. The international military coalition said the attack happened Tuesday but did not provide further information. The military typically holds back

Fourteen insurgents reported dead in drone strikes

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 15:14:00 GMT

It's been a day of intense attacks by U.S. drones in northwestern Pakistan. According to Pakistani intelligence officials, the aircraft fired 17 missiles at houses, cars and bunkers, killing 14 insurgents. The late-night missile strikes are the

EDS: CADMIUM graphic has been canceled.

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 09:38:00 GMT

4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2010 For editorial questions, call Bernadette Tuazon, (800-845-8450, ext. 7636). For technical and service questions, call the AP Global Customer Support at 877-587-6180 or e-mail apcustomersupport (at)

Robots, bombsniffing dogs ready for Super Bowl

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 07:46:00 GMT

Several dozen bomb-sniffing dogs, robots that defuse explosives and police bomb squads are being deployed to protect the Super Bowl. The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives showed reporters Tuesday how the dogs can detect

Fewer gays to be targeted...Support for tax credits...Drone kills...

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 04:02:00 GMT

Defense Secretary Robert Gates is planning to try to limit the number of gay troops who are dismissed from the military. He's expected to tell a Senate panel of his plans today, whiel also discussing a one-year effort to decide how to revise the "don

URGENT

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 03:34:00 GMT

Intelligence officials say suspected U.S. drones have fired eight missiles at two compounds in Pakistan's northwest near the Afghan border, killing at least six suspected militants. The officials say the missiles rained down Tuesday on the Degan

'Avatar' and 'The Hurt Locker' lead...Stocks steady...Suspect...

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 03:06:00 GMT

Nine Oscar nominations each for "Avatar" and "The Hurt Locker." They lead the list of films nominated for Academy Awards this morning. The acting nominees include the four stars who have dominated the early awards shows Jeff Bridges, Sandra Bullock,

Mullen: Next year critical to Afghanistan

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 03:06:00 GMT

The nation's top uniformed officer says the next 12 to 18 months will be critical to reversing momentum gained by insurgents in Afghanistan and begin to turn the security situation around for the better. Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint C

Saudi Arabia wants Taliban to expel bin Laden

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 02:45:00 GMT

Saudi officials say the kingdom has no intention of getting involved in peacemaking in Afghanistan unless the Taliban severs ties with extremists and expels Saudi terror leader Osama bin Laden. A Foreign Ministry official announced the condition

Update on the latest news, sports, business and entertainment:...

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 22:26:00 GMT

A Toyota executive says the unprecedented scale of the gas pedal problem means damage to the company's sales may be greater than previous recalls. Toyota Executive Vice President Shinichi Sasaki, who oversees quality control at the world's No. 1

Toyota: no electric problems...Karzai talks Taliban...insurgents...

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 21:02:00 GMT

A Toyota executive says there are no electronic problems in vehicles being recalled in the U.S. for a gas pedal problem. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating the issue but a Transportation Department official says there

Exec: Toyota recall probably caused big sales damage...Karzai...

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 19:52:00 GMT

A Toyota executive says the unprecedented scale of recalls over possible gas pedal problems may have produced greater damage to sales than previous recalls. But the man who oversees quality control at the world's No. 1 automaker says the company has

Latest Minnesota news, sports, business and entertainment:...

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 19:45:00 GMT

Job creation under the federal stimulus package is continuing at a steady pace in Minnesota. White House figures on Monday show that stimulus money created or saved 12,291 Minnesota jobs in the fourth quarter of 2009. Some of the top recipi

Afghan leader to talk reconciliation with Saudis

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 19:45:00 GMT

Afghan President Hamid Karzai is traveling to Saudi Arabia to discuss his reconciliation plan aimed at persuading Taliban militants to switch sides. Saudi Arabia was one of the few countries that recognized the Taliban regime before it was ouste

Pakistani official: Tribesmen kill, hang militants

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 18:42:00 GMT

A government official says Pakistani tribesmen shot two militants to death and hung their bodies from an electricity pole in a region bordering Afghanistan where insurgent activity is on the upswing. The incident comes as authorities probe repor