Kerry argues for counter-insurgency lite, India, Iran's Ex, Israel

Kerry argues for counter-insurgency lite - The death on Monday of 14 United States troops in two helicopter accidents - the single-deadliest day for US forces in Afghanistan in more than four years - only adds to the urgency for the administration of President Barack Obama to settle on its war strategy. Democratic Senator John Kerry, following an extended visit to the country, spells out his vision for counter-insurgency operations. - Jim Lobe

Reza Pahlavi: Cries for a New Iranian Republic

* Cry from the wildeness

A Tsunami Called Goldstone By Uri Avnery - The Goldstone report has an impact on the world because it is precise and targeted: a specific operation, for which specific persons are responsible. It raises a specific demand: an investigation. It attacks a clear and well-defined target: war crimes

India lost in 'love jihad' - Religious groups in India's Kerala state say young Muslim men are luring non-Muslim girls into marriage as part of an organized campaign of forced conversions to Islam. Dubbed "love jihad", the phenomenon has sparked police investigations and national security fears. It has even united Hindu and Christian groups previously at loggerheads over the sensitive issue of religious conversions. - Sudha Ramachandran

Israeli banks entrenched in settlement building -Several Western pension funds and financial managers hold shares in two Israeli banks: Bank Hapoalim and Bank Leumi. Both banks operate in and offer loans to finance illegal settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian and Syrian territories. Adri Nieuwhof reports for The Electronic Intifada.