Afghanistan War News Updates -- August 1, 2011

ADMIRAL'S ADDRESS - Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Navy Adm. Mike Mullen addresses Marines assigned to Forward Operating Base Jackson in Afghanistan, July 30, 2011. Mullen is on a five-day USO tour with comedian Jon Stewart, NBA Legend Karl Malone and magician David Blane visiting troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. DOD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley

Spike In Afghan Violence 'Alarms' US Defence Chief -- The Australian/AFP

THE United States' top military officer says security in Afghanistan has improved "dramatically" since last year but expressed "alarm" over the recent spike in violence.

Admiral Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also warned during an interview with the BBC that victory in Afghanistan could only be achieved by stamping out insurgent activity in neighbouring Pakistan.

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More News On Afghanistan

Mullen focuses on Afghanistan-Pakistan border havens -- BBC
Defenses Are Thickened at Afghan Border to Choke Off Militants’ Routes -- New York Times
U.S. Military Chief Mullen Says Pakistan Safe Havens Still Pose Threat -- Radio Free Europe
Afghanistan security 'progressing' - US Admiral Mullen -- BBC
U.S. Military Chief Cites Progress Against Haqqanis -- New York Times/Reuters
US 'losing patience' with Pak: Mullen -- Indian Express/ANI
Admiral confident on Afghan withdrawal -- UPI
In Afghanistan, plan sought in Oct. for US exit -- Stars and Stripes/AP
US Military Chief Aims to Reassure Afghans -- Voice of America
Camp Pendleton Marines in Afghanistan warned of Taliban threat -- L.A. Times

FACTBOX-Security developments in Afghanistan, Aug 1 -- Alertnet
Afghan governor condemns airstrike he says killed 4 police in northeast Nuristan -- Washington Post
NATO airstrike kills four Afghan police officers -- CNN
Afghan policemen 'killed in Nato bombing' -- BBC
4 Police Killed in NATO Airstrike -- Voice of America

Afghans Must Address Corruption, Criminal Networks, Mullen Says -- US Department of Defense
Chairman Pleased with Afghan Progress, Concerned About Corruption -- US Department of Defense
'40 people involved in ruin of Kabul bank' -- The Telegraph
Kabul Bank scams reportedly involved 40 people -- SFGate/AP
Names of Suspects in Bank Fraud Sent to Afghan Courts -- New York Times
Afghan prosecutor: Up to 40 people could be charged in Kabul Bank scandal -- Washington Post

Taliban Leaders May Take Ramadan Break-U.S. Military -- New York Times/Reuters
British troops 'could spend year in Afghanistan' -- Daily Telegraph
Official: Taliban didn't kill Karzai's kin -- CBS News
Afghan leaders fear execution in Taliban birthplace -- AFP
Afghanistan: Kandahar caught in the crosshairs -- Global Post
Afghan Civil Order Police brigade activates in Helmand capital -- Marines.mil
Afghan Media Watchdog Seeks Probe of Reporter Death -- New York Times/Reuters
The writing on Kabul's walls -- L.A. Times
Medics act first, sort through emotions later -- JS Online
Afghanistan’s Romeo and Juliet: Teenage couple jailed and face execution for falling in love… even the girl’s father wants them dead -- Daily Mail