USA Today October 9, 2008 A number of NATO countries are balking at the United States’ request that their troops in Afghanistan do more to confront drug lords whose money helps bankroll the Taliban, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Thursday. more
Times October 9, 2008 The world economy is in the grip of a severe downturn and may soon sink into recession because of the credit crisis and growing financial turmoil, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said yesterday. more
New York Times October 9, 2008 The United States and Britain appear to be converging on a similar blueprint for stemming the financial chaos sweeping the world, one day before a crucial meeting of leaders begins in Washington that the White House hopes will result in a more coordinated response. more
Agence France-Presse October 8, 2008 NATO’s top commander and Afghanistan’s defence minister will urge allies Thursday to take new steps to crack down on the opium trade as the trafficking generates vital funds for the Taliban-led insurgency. more
International Herald Tribune October 8, 2008 Global central banks moved together Wednesday to ease the credit squeeze with coordinated rate cuts, reducing borrowing costs for troubled banks and arresting a decline in stock markets after a dismal showing in world equity markets. more