America's Future in Afghanistan after Koran Burning
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America's Future in Afghanistan after Koran Burning

The "partnership" that's key to western strategy in Afghanistan has been shattered by the burning of Korans and the assassination of two Americans in a supposedly secure location. We get the latest from Kabul, an update on damage control and the potential political consequences here at home. Also, does the Post Office have a future in the Internet age? We look at proposed cuts in service, post office closings and an increase in the price of a first-class stamp.

Banner image: Afghan demonstrators burn a US flag during a protest against Koran desecration in Helmand province on February 23, 2012. Photo credit should read STR/AFP/Getty Images

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Main Topic

Violence over Koran Burning Threatens US-Afghan 'Partnership' ()

The burning of holy books that Americans call "accidental" has exposed the seething anti-Americanism in much of Afghanistan. Nationwide protests continue, and two American advisors were assassinated this weekend in an office accessible only to the most trusted personnel. Since then, all NATO advisors have been withdrawn from Afghan ministries. All this has cast doubt on the so-called "partnership" that's essential to the strategy for a western troop withdrawal by 2014. Today, nine Afghans were killed by a suicide bomber near and American air base. With the US focused on damage control, we look at the military and diplomatic fallout and how it's playing on the presidential campaign trail.

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Reporter's Notebook

Does the Post Office Have a Future in the Internet Age? ()

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