Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Afghanistan

U.S. Authorizes Another $70 Billion For Iraq, Afghan Wars

A U.S.military vehicle destroyed in Iraq in August 2005 (epa)

September 30, 2006 -- The U.S. Senate today authorized $70 billion for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

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September 30, 2006

The bill now goes to President George W. Bush to be signed into law.

Lawmakers said the $70 billion should be considered a "bridge fund" to last about halfway through the next fiscal year. About $23 billion of that is to replace and repair worn out equipment.

(Reuters)

RFE/RL Exclusive Interviews

U.S. Undersecretary of State Karen Hughes being interviewed by RFE/RL in Prague on June 11 (RFE/RL)

AT THE MICROPHONE. RFE/RL frequently conducts in-depth interviews with leading newsmakers and analysts from throughout its broadcast region. Transcripts of many of these interviews have been gathered on a special archive page.

Recent Highlights:

Romanian President Traian Basescu | On EU aspirations

Georgian Integration Minister Giorgi Baramidze | On Georgia's relations with NATO, EU

U.S. Ambassador to the IAEA Gregory Schulte | On Iran's nuclear program

Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Alikbek Jekshenkulov | On relations with Uzbekistan

Former Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma | On the return to power of Viktor Yanukovych

A vendor in the central Bosnian town of Zenica sells heart-shaped cushions with proclamations of love for 1 euro each.

Love It (Or Hate It), It's Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day, the Western holiday celebrating love, has become a global phenomenon over the past two decades. The fall of communism and the emergence of the Internet have helped February 14 become something of an unofficial international day of romance. However, not all the passions the holiday stirs are related to love. While some countries have openly embraced the holiday, others are attempting to ban it or replace it with local customs. More

Gasoline prices have risen dramatically in Pakistan in recent years

In Pakistan, Cleaner Fuel Powers Supply, Safety Issues

Rising fuel prices have pushed Pakistan to become a global leader in using compressed natural gas (CNG) to fuel vehicles. More

Family members of missing Baluchs, mostly political activists, rally in protest on the eve of international Human Rights Day in Quetta, Balochistan, on December 10, 2011.

U.S. Hearing On Balochistan Raises Hackles, Awareness In Pakistan

The U.S. Congressional hearing last week on Balochistan, the largest of Pakistan's four provinces, though it was firmly rejected by Islamabad, is being seen in Pakistan as any eye-opener for the state and its security agencies. More