February 16th Morning Readbook

Who is Mullah Brader?

Mullah Abdul Ghani Brader, described as the senior Taliban military commander who managed the day-to-day operations of the group's leadership council, the Quetta Shura, has reportedly been captured in Pakistan.




Taliban’s 2nd-in-command nabbed in Pakistan
The Taliban's top military commander has been arrested in a joint CIA-Pakistani operation in Pakistan, officials said Tuesday.


Marines: Taliban resistance more disorganized
U.S. and Afghan forces traded gunfire with insurgents shooting from haystacks in poppy fields in the Taliban stronghold of Marjah as they pressed ahead in NATO's assault on the militants' heartland in southern Afghanistan.


Pakistan's lawyers strike over judicial appointments made by President Zardari
A fresh standoff between Pakistan's judiciary and its weak government simmered Monday, as lawyers staged a nationwide strike and political prognosticators warned of instability in the wobbly democracy.


Unknown Pakistani group claims responsibility for Pune blast
An unknown group calling itself the Laskhar-e-Taiba Al Alami claimed on Tuesday it was behind Saturday’s bomb attack in Pune that killed nine people.


Iran official says backs visits to U.S. detainees
A senior Iranian human rights official said on Tuesday he had recommended that three Americans detained in his country be allowed to receive family visits.


Facing death, freed Iraq detainees may fight again
Many Iraqis released by U.S. forces after being detained for suspected links to Sunni insurgents have been killed by tribes seeking revenge or are being driven back into the arms of al Qaeda.


Bombing at Iraq Crime Lab Kills 2 Policemen
Iraqi officials say a car bomb exploded outside a police crime lab in the northern city of Mosul Tuesday, killing two officers.


US tells Iraq to improve prisons, stamp out abuse
In a U.N. debate, the United States has urged the Iraqi government to improve its poor prison conditions and to investigate allegations of detainee abuse.


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