Rats Help Colombia Sniff Out Deadly Landmines
11 white-furred rats are in the final stages of a training program to find landmines that kill or injure hundreds of people each year in conflict-wracked Colombia.
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Colombia's Farc Rebels: End to Kidnapping a New Start?
In an unprecedented concession, Colombian rebels have pledged to end their practice of kidnapping for ransom and release the hostages they hold, hoping to re-open the doors to dialogue as the civil conflict enters its 48th year.
Japan Donates US$3 million in Food Aid to Afghans
The government of Japan has donated US$3 million to the United Nations World Food Programme to purchase food for 44,000 of the worst affected families in Afghanistan, WFP said on Monday in the capital Kabul.
Afghan Treasure Safeguarded for Decades by Secret "Keyholders"
A 2,000-year-old gold treasure trove of Afghanistan's heritage was guarded for decades by a mysterious group of Afghans who patiently kept the secret of its underground whereabouts, at great personal risk during the time of upheaval and war with Russia and the Taliban.
1,423 Afghan Artifacts Return to Kabul
"More than 1,400 artifacts protected from looters and the Taliban since 1999 at a museum-in-exile in Switzerland were returned to the National Museum of Afghanistan."
Afghans Flock to First Coffee Shop in Kandahar
"The success of Kandahar's first – and only – cafe is a reminder that amid images of soldiers, bombs and Humvees, Afghanistan is still a place where many people mostly want to get on with life, perhaps over a game of snooker and a soda." (Christian Science Monitor)
"Peace through Business" Program Makes Afghan Women Entrepreneurs
12 Afghan women arrived in Michigan last week to attend business classes. After five weeks, they'll return to Afghanistan and help other women learn business skills, despite the naysayers who will try to stop them from pursuing their dreams.
Kabul's Old City Gets Major Renovation
To improve living conditions, attract business and reduce the constant threat of disease, Kabul's Old City has been cleared of rubbish and mud — so much that street levels dropped by nine feet uncovering building foundations submerged for over 60 years. Thanks to the Turquoise Mountain Foundation's clean-up and restoration of the original ground level, […]
Taliban Seeking Peace, has Split with Al Qaeda
Taliban leaders are holding Saudi-brokered talks with the Afghan government to end the country's conflict -- and are severing their ties with al Qaeda, sources close to the historic discussions have told CNN.
Iran's Generosity in Hosting Afghan Refugees Praised
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has lauded Iran's long record of generosity in hosting one million displaced Afghans since 1998 calling their settlement camps maybe the best in the world.
Afgan Schools to Benefit From $24 Million Boost
Tens of thousands of schoolchildren in Kabul are set to benefit from a $24 million donation from Japan, under an agreement signed today with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) to construct around 1,000 classrooms. And, the UN Mine Action Program for Afghanistan announced that the city's electricity supply has improved as a result of its mine-clearing operation in the north of the country.
Production of Heroin, Cocaine Decline Sharply
The UN has reported a sharp decline in the production of opium in Afghanistan (used for heroin) and cocoa plants in Columbia (used to make cocaine). In these two countries, which produce over 90% of the world's supply, crop size has dropped 19 and 18 percent respectively since last year, reflecting government security efforts.