News, February 8, 2010

	Taliban, NATO Prepare for Big Helmand Offensive
	Karzai Demands Halt to Afghan Civilian Casualties   Afghan Police Official Accused of Helping Insurgents Make Bombs   Karzai: Afghanistan May Institute Conscription   Casualties in Afghanistan Will Rise in 2010, US and UK Officials Warn

Afghanistan

Taliban Dig in for Big Assault, Say Afghan Villagers Two Swedish Officers, Local Interpreter Killed in Afghanistan US Not in Direct Talks With Taliban: Holbrooke 4 Afghan Police Killed in Bombing Afghan Insecurity Pushes Gold Price Up, Business Down Battle to Electrify Kandahar Shows Afghan Dilemma Afghan Force Faces Crucial Test in Marjah

Pakistan

Report: 9,000 Blackwater Personnel in Islamabad Pakistanis Doubt Taliban Chiefs in Baluchistan Pakistani Military Seizes Taliban Stronghold in NW Karachi Violence Blow to Pakistan Economy Taliban Kill 'US Spy' in North Waziristan