Nato’s top commander in Afghanistan has said increased troop levels could bring a negotiated peace with the Taliban. US Gen Stanley McChrystal told the UK’s Financial Times newspaper that there had been “enough fighting”. He said a political solution in all conflicts was “inevitable”. His remarks came as the top UN envoy in Kabul said…
Nato forces in Afghanistan to launch Helmand offensive
UK and other Nato troops are to launch an offensive to take back areas of southern Afghanistan, the British general in charge of forces there says. Maj Gen Nick Carter said the operation would “assert the control” of the Afghan government in parts of Helmand now controlled by the Taliban. He told BBC Radio 4’s…
Afghanistan parliamentary election postponed
Afghanistan is to postpone its parliamentary elections by four months until September, the country’s election commission has confirmed. Elections were to take place before 22 May under the constitution but a new date of 18 September has been set. more at BBC
Campaigning ends ahead of Sri Lanka election (ABC)
Opposition activists say the Sri Lankan government is planning to use vote rigging and violence to win the presidential election, as campaigning officially ends. The two main candidates in the poll, President Mahinda Rajapakse and former army chief General Sarath Fonseca have held their final campaign rallies ahead of Tuesday’s vote. Both are closely associated…