
America's Future in Afghanistan after Koran Burning
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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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Guests:
- Borzou Daragahi: Financial Times, @borzou
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 Since then, all NATO advisors have been withdrawn from Afghan ministries.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.
Guests:
- Alissa Johannsen Rubin: New York Times, @alissanyt
- Greg Jaffe: Wall Street Journal, @GregJaffe
- Chris Mason: Center for Advanced Defense Studies
- Brian Katulis: Center for America Progress, @Katulis
- Michael Hirsh: National Journal, @michaelphirsh
Links:
Reporter's Notebook
Does the Post Office Have a Future in the Internet Age? ()
Starting in May, the US Postal Service plans to close 252 of its 487 mail processing facilities and thousands of post offices around the country. Next-day and Saturday service will be things of the past if 150,000 jobs are eliminated by the end of the year. If the US Post Office is making a profit, why is it planning to close processing facilities and post offices and to lay off employees?
Guests:
- John Beaumont: National Association of Letter Carriers, @NALC_National
- James Gattuso: Heritage Foundation
Links:
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