US special forces have a launched a secretive program to finance anti-Taliban militias in at least fourteen areas of Afghanistan. The Guardian newspaper reports the US plans to spend as much as $1.3 billion on the program, known as the Community Defense Initiative. The plan has the backing of General Stanley McChrystal, but some experts warn the program could fuel long-term instability in Afghanistan.
US to Finance Anti-Taliban Militias in Afghanistan
HeadlineNov 23, 2009