Two years of violence may have ended in Pakistan’s Swat valley, but it has taken its toll on the people living there.
Following a deal with the local Taliban, the area is adjusting to life according to Sharia law.
Al Jazeera’s Zeina Khodr reports on the fragile peace and why it is not enough to entice back those who fled the fighting.
Washington has asked Hamid Karzai, the president of Afghanistan, to push for reconciliation efforts that could include holding talks with the Taliban. But there are those who oppose such a move.
Al Jazeera’s James Bayes speaks to Ismail Khan, a minister in Karzai’s cabinet and one of Afghanistan’s most influential figures, who is seeking an alternative approach which runs in contrast to US demands.
The United States is backing an Afghan plan to set up a new security force, whose members are chosen and supported by tribal elders.
The members of the so-called Afghan Public Protection Force are undergoing training from the US forces.
Al Jazeera’s James Bays went to meet some of the new recruits.
A top US commander has warned US troops face a “resilient” Taliban “aided” by al-Qaeda, as the US plans to deploy 17,000 more soldiers to Afghanistan.
US General David McKiernan says concerted efforts, both military and civilian, are urgently needed to overcome Taliban fighters.
Al Jazeera’s Rob Reynolds reports.