On March 30th, 2009, in response to President Obama's Mar. 27th announcement of an escalation of the war in Afghanistan, an emergency action was called in front of the San Francisco Federal Reserve at 101 Market Street. About two dozen demonstrators displayed banners at the busy intersection of Market and Main Street, drew small crowds with the bullhorn, passed out literature, and engaged interested onlookers in conversation. The banners protested the escalation of the wars in Afghanistan and Pakistan, decried the notion of Obama's "good war," and called for the complete withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan. Participating organizations included CodePink, Cindy Sheehan, War and Law League (WALL), and World Can't Wait.

Video | Photos | CodePink | War and Law League | World Can't Wait

On March 25th, Juan Cole reported that "The Obama administration is so discouraged by the poor performance of the government of Afghan president Hamid Karzai that it is contemplating appointing a prime minister who would do the serious work that Karzai appears to avoid. The plan raises questions of constitutionality in Afghan law, and has a "great man theory" that what is wrong with Afghanistan is personalistic and could be fixed with a new executive officer." India, Iran and Russia are worried this hostility to Hamid Karzai and the U.S. pledge to negotiate with moderate Taliban, might deliver Afghanistan into the arms of a "Taliban lite" government.

U.S. predator drone strikes on Pakistan are increasing hatred of the US in Pakistan and the hatred is helping to unite Taliban supporters. Months after closing ranks and grouping under one umbrella council, the Taliban in Pakistan is now being asked to direct attacks towards neighboring Afghanistan to help counter an American military buildup. "Mullah Omer has strictly directed the newly formed militants' body not to attack Pakistani troops and concentrate on activities against foreign troops operating in Afghanistan," a senior intelligence official told IslamOnline.net.

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