From Journeyman Pictures--
This report examines the migration of the war in Afghanistan towards Pakistan's border. After the Taliban were overthrown in 2001, they fled into the mountainous terrain between Afghanistan and Pakistan.  Though the Pakistani government claims to be in support of the U.S. initiative, it is hestiant to tackle the Taliban problem within its own borders, which is critical for success in Afghanistan.

From UNICEF --In Afghanistan, child soldiers are used as suicide bombers at an alarming rate.

“ A six-year-old boy from a village in Ghazni Province,from a poor background, was reportedly tricked bythe Taliban into wearing a suicide vest that “wouldspray out flowers if he pressed a button.” He failedto carry out the mission because he becameconfused and sought help from the Afghan military. ”

From PBS --Bill Moyers takes a look into the roots and motivations of Al Qaeda, from its beginnings during the invasion of the Soviet Union to the 9/11 bombings in America. Even now, while operating underground, Al Qaeda continues to be a group that garners attention, and to their credit, should not be ignored.

“ After leaving Afghanistan and being exiled by Saudi Arabia, bin Laden moved to Sudan, and with him went the base of operations for al Qaeda.  ”

From <i>The New York Times</i>--Encouraged by the success of recent missile strikes against Al Qaeda and its allies, senior administration officials say the U.S. will increase its use of remotely piloted aircraft (drones) in Pakistan's tribal areas. Though the use of drones reduces civilian casualties, several U.S. and Pakistani officials have expressed serious reservations.

“ On Sunday, a senior Taliban leader vowed to unleash two suicide attacks a week like one on Saturday in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, unless the Central Intelligence Agency stopped firing missiles at militants. Pakistani officials have expressed concerns that the missile strikes from remotely piloted aircraft fuel more violence in the country, and some American officials say they are also concerned about some aspects of the drone strikes. ”

From The Washington Post -- Seven years after the ousting of the Taliban, Afghanistan remains one of the poorest countries in the world, with infant mortality and malnutrition on a par with the most impoverished nations in sub-Saharan Africa. Now, according to the U.N. figures are growing. 5 million Afghans are slated to receive emergency food, and on average, nearly 80% of Afghan income is spent on food.

“ Seven years after the fall of the Taliban and the establishment of a civilian-led, internationally backed government, Afghanistan remains one of the poorest countries in the world, with rates of unemployment, illiteracy, infant mortality and malnutrition on a par with the most impoverished nations in sub-Saharan Africa. Most homes lack light, heat and running water; most babies are born at home and without medical help. ”

From <i>The New York Times</i>--The psychological impact of the United States' remote missile strikes in Pakistan is undeniable. But some C.I.A. veterens believe the drone strikes, which unite militants and Pakistani citizens in anti-American sentiment, may do more harm than good in the long run.

“ In the mountains of northwest Pakistan, the psychological impact of America’s drone strikes can be measured by this: Some locals have given up drinking Lipton tea, out of a growing conviction that the Central Intelligence Agency is using the tea bags as homing beacons for its pilotless planes.”

From Reuters --With violence continuing to escalate, Afghanistan is reaching a state of crisis.  It is one of the poorest and least developed countries in the world, and drought and famine are leaving millions hungry and struggling to survive.

“ Up to five million Afghans face food shortages this year and more than a million young children and half a million women face serious health risks due to malnutrition, it said. ”