The ensemble cast of actors in HBO miniseries “The Pacific” all have a similar look…dirty.

“In my memory I was dirty for a year.

Image from The Economist

As American, NATO and Afghan forces engaged in final maneuvers before the imminent offensive in Marja, a Taliban stronghold in Helmand Province, Afghan leaders met with tribal elders in the area to discuss the goals of the operation — the biggest joint offensive of the Afghan war.

Our colleague Dexter Filkins reports that the meeting between Hanif Atmar, the Afghan interior minister, and a group of about 350 elders from Marja’s main tribes, laid out plainly the wariness of the local leaders.

Marja’s tribal elders, who gathered in the governor’s office in nearby Lashkar Gah, expressed no love for the Taliban. But they voiced deep skepticism that Afghanistan’s leaders would make good on their promises to protect them from insurgents.

Read more ….

As Afghan Push Looms, Tribal Leaders Skeptical — New York Times
Tribal elders seek assurances from NATO as Afghan offensive looms — Vancouver Post
Tribe and prejudice: America’s ‘new hope’ in Afghanistan — The National
NATO’s planned offensive in Afghanistan: Get out of the way — The Economist
Afghanistan conflict an ‘information war’ — BBC
Afghan tribe makes first step in anti-Taliban pact by bringing in alleged collaborator — Canadian Press

Russia And US ‘Agree To Nuclear Deal’ — Times Online

The US and Russia have agreed in principle on a deal to replace the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (Start) that expired in December after 15 years as the centerpiece of nuclear arms control, the Wall Street Journal reports today.

The deal, which officials said could be ready to sign in two months, would cut each side’s nuclear arsenal to between 1,500 and 1,675 operationally deployed warheads — down from 2,200 on the American side and 2,800 in Russia, which has also kept an unknown number in reserve.

Read more ….

WASHINGTON — U.S.

Honduran president elect Porfirio Lobo (left) and Dominican Republic president Leonel Fernández during the signing of a bilateral agreement in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Photo from The Financial Times

Manuel Zelaya, the ousted Honduran president, said today that he might leave the country after the Dominican Republic offered him a haven as an “honoured guest”.

Mr Zelaya, who has been living in the Brazilian Embassy in Tegucigalpa since he slipped back to Honduras in September after being deposed three months earlier, said that he welcomed the offer from Dominican Republic President Leonel Fernández, who had signed an agreement with Honduran President-elect Porfirio Lobo to let him in to the country.

“This agreement allows me to maintain my dignity and the position bestowed on me by the people of Honduras,” Mr Zelaya said in a statement.

Read more ….

Deal reached to give ousted Honduran leader refuge in Dominican Republic — Boston.com
Accord Reached to Let Honduran President Depart — New York Times
Honduras offers Zelaya safe passage — Al Jazeera
Zelaya can leave Honduras in possible political settlement — AFP
Zelaya promised safe passage to D.R. — UPI
Honduras grants ousted president safe passage — Financial Times
Dominican President brokers pact ends Honduras crisis — Dominican Today

My Comment: If President Zelaya makes do on his promise to leave the country, this crisis is over.