Free Republic

KABUL – Thousands of foreign fighters have poured into Afghanistan to bolster the Taliban insurgency, the country's defense minister said Saturday as he called for more international troops. The remarks come as the U.S. debates whether to substantially increase its forces in Afghanistan or to conduct a more limited campaign focused on targeting al-Qaida figures — most of whom are believed to be in neighboring Pakistan. The minister's comments hit on a key worry of the United States — that not sending enough troops to Afghanistan will open the door back up to al-Qaida. They also suggest that the Afghan...

BAGHDAD — As news here this week centered on bolstering Baghdad security, quality of life projects are still progressing with notable results in Baghdad and elsewhere in Iraq. For nearly two years, the Al Wathba Water Treatment Plant has been undergoing a $22 million upgrade to bring fresh, potable water to Baghdad residents. That facility serves the Rusafa area in northeast Baghdad with markets, businesses, medical facilities, and about 300,000 residents dependent on its output. “Al Wathba is more than 40 years old and the dilapidated, poorly maintained equipment was producing about 1,000 cubic meters (264172.1 gallons) of drinking water...