Crisis Goes from Bad to Worse in Afghanistan

Main Topic

Developing Threats to US and NATO Plans in Afghanistan ()

There were two major setbacks today for US efforts to wage war and negotiate peace in Afghanistan. President Karzai said NATO troops should leave the countryside and return to large bases, ending their combat mission next year instead of 2014, and the Taliban suspended conversations with the United States.  The troop movement will put security for civilian developers in the hands of Afghan forces, with private aid companies already in fear for their safety. Many are already so worried they have plans to pull out, with the prospect of suing the US Agency for International Development for material breach of contract. We hear about growing threats to the scenario outlined by President Obama and Prime Minister Cameron this week in Washington.

Guests:

• Peter Tomsen: author and former diplomat
• Heidi Vogt: Associated Press, @HeidiVogt
• Matthew Rosenberg: New York Times, @mrosenbergNYT
• Rashed Rahman: Daily Times
• Christine Fair: Georgetown University, @CChristineFair

Links:

• Vogt on Karzai, Taliban demands
• Rosenberg on aid groups, deteriorating security fears in Afghanistan
• Thomsen's 'The Wars of Afghanistan: Messianic Terrorism, Tribal Conflicts and the Failures of Great Powers'

Reporter's Notebook

Trust and Lottery Tickets ()

Four New Jersey construction workers relied on their friend to buy Mega Millions lottery tickets with pooled money. In November of 2009, Americo Lopes quit his job, saying he needed foot surgery. It wasn't until months later that the others discovered he'd won $38.5 million — and kept it all for himself. After taxes, Lopes got $17.5 million in winnings. Yesterday, a jury decided he'll have to split it with the four former friends. James Barron has been following the story for the New York Times.

Guests:

• James Barron: New York Times