Afghanistan

Gen. David Petraeus has been recommended to be the next head of U.S. Central Command, a position that would give him oversight of both the U.S. war efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan. [more]

Osama bin Laden's 18-year-old son is recruiting young people -- particularly those with mental deficiencies or from broken homes -- to form small jihadist cells, a source told Stratfor. [more]

With some NATO troops seeking tactical-level talks with Taliban insurgents, Stratfor’s Middle East director, Kamran Bokhari, discusses the possibilities and pitfalls of any “selective engagement” policy for Afghanistan. [more]

There’s been quiet talk within NATO circles on whether to seek negotiations with some Taliban elements in Afghanistan. While direct, high-level talks involving NATO officials are unlikely, some are encouraging dialogue at the tactical level. Stratfor’s Middle East Director Kamran Bokhari explores the question with Marla Dial. [more]

The West is considering nonmilitary options for dealing with the Taliban. However, at this stage, it is not clear who the West can deal with among the Pashtun jihadists. Lessons learned in Iraq could prove useful. [more]