Afghanistan War News Updates -- March 22, 2011

Afghan President Hamid Karzai, speaking at the ational Military Academy in the capital, Kabul, March 22, 2011. Photo: Reuters

Afghan President Announces NATO Pullout Areas -- Voice of America

Afghan President Hamid Karzai says Afghan forces will soon take over security from NATO in seven areas throughout the country - a first step towards the eventual withdrawal of foreign combat troops from Afghanistan.

During a speech Tuesday in Kabul, Mr. Karzai said the security transition will begin in July. He told a group of army and police officers that it is time for Afghanistan to take responsibility for its own defense.

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More News On Afghanistan

Afghanistan announces crucial security handover -- Yahoo News/AFP
Karzai: Afghan forces to take control in 7 areas -- Yahoo News/AP
Karzai Unveils Afghan Transition Plan -- Wall Street Journal
Hamid Karzai names areas to be handed to Afghan forces -- BBC
The Road to Withdrawal: Afghanistan Starts Transition -- ABC News
Karzai: Afghanistan to take over security in parts of the country -- CNN
Karzai: Afghan troops to assume more control -- Washington Post
Afghan security transition set for July -- Financial Times
Karzai names first areas where Afghans will take over security duties -- L.A. Times
Karzai Sets Date for Afghan Control of Two Provinces, Four Cities -- New York Times

Taliban assassination campaign impedes governance -- Yahoo News/AP
Afghan security contractor accused of killing US soldiers -- MSNBC
Soldiers killed in Kandahar were from Vilseck -- Stars And Stripes

US Apologizes for 'Repugnant' Afghan Photos -- Voice of America
Army apologises for US soldiers posing with dead -- Financial Times
Photographs of Afghan Civilian Casualties Prompt U.S. Apology -- Bloomberg
U.S. Soldier 'WILL plead guilty' for murdering 3 Afghan men -- Daily Mail
Soldier to plead guilty in Afghan slayings -- UPI
Soldier to Plead Guilty in Afghan Murder Case -- Wall Street Journal
An Afghan Abu Ghraib? America shamed by 'kill squad' photo leak -- Independent

Kandahar security to remain NATO responsibility despite years of fighting -- Yahoo News/Canadian Press
Afghan militants demand cellphone network shutdown -- AFP
Troops in Afghanistan Use Shovels, Feet to Stop Bombs -- The Danger Room
Russia supports NATO success in Afghanistan - Serdyukov -- RIA Novosti
Pakistan ready for peace with the Taliban? -- Threat Matrix