One of Afghanistan’s most renowned anti-Taliban commanders predicted on Thursday that proposed peace talks would be a “long and complex process” and it was likely they would be snubbed by hard-liners and foreign fighters in the Islamic militia.

The White House announced a shuffling of US military leaders in the Iraq war today as Congress’ new Democratic chiefs criticised plans president George W Bush is considering to boost US troop strength in the war zone.

The White House today announced a shuffling of US military leaders in the Iraq war today as Congress' new Democratic chiefs criticised plans President George W Bush is considering to boost US troop strength in the war zone.

A prominent Sunni Arab group today accused some officials in the Iraqi government of having links with Shiite militias involved in sectarian violence and said authorities should be held responsible for any attacks by the armed groups.