What We’re Reading Now
Aug 19, 2011

AFGHANISTAN
In Afghanistan, some brace for economic fallout of U.S. exit
Mark Magnier, Los Angeles Times- August 19, 2011
Sorosh Tokhi's wallet is a lot fatter since foreign troops moved into Afghanistan in 2001. As an interpreter for the U.S. military earning $700 a month, he has bought a flat-screen TV and a sport utility vehicle, helped his parents out and paid for relatives' tuition.

UNITED STATES
White House wants budget options for defense cuts
Kate Brannen, Defense News- August 18, 2011
The White House has directed the Defense Department, along with all other federal agencies, to draw up budget options for 2013 that meet the strict spending guidelines put in place by the debt-ceiling agreement signed into law Aug. 2.

PAKISTAN
Pakistan mosque bomb kills at least 40
Associated Press- August 19, 2011
A bomb has exploded at a mosque in a Pakistani tribal region as hundreds of people were gathered for Friday prayers, killing at least 40 and wounding 85 in the first major attack in the country during Ramadan.