Two contrasting reports from Afghanistan on attempts to create local police and military forces capable of controlling the troubled country when the US and NATO leaves.

Afghan Special Ops Units May Be Key to US Exit

(Associated Press: 0851 PT, May 10, 2011) US personnel have been training and fighting alongside Afghan special operations forces. The development of such commandos may be key if Americans are to reduce their presence in the country.

Politics Dominate Afghan Police Force

(Al Jazeera English: 0238 PT, May 10, 2011) The Afghan Local Police (ALP) has been expanding fast across the country over the past year. Community-based units, they are seen as a pet project of NATO commander General David Petraeus, who has described the ALP as having a significant impact. But the police force has also faced allegations of theft, abduction and intimidation. Al Jazeera's James Bays reports from Maidan Wardak province.

(Al Jazeera English: 0406 PT, May 9, 2011) Opposition "Red Shirt" supporters in Thailand say they are being silenced ahead of an upcoming general election. Police have reportedly closed down several anti-government radio stations for "lacking licenses or permits to broadcast." But activists say the only stations targeted were ones run by Red Shirt supporters. Wayne Hay reports from Bangkok, the Thai capital.

Colossal Volcano Eruption Sends Ash Plume Two Miles High in Philippines

(Russia Today: February 21, 2011) The eruption of Mount Bulusan in the province of Sorsogon in the Philippines sent clouds of ash almost two miles high and forced thousands of people to flee. Bulusan's last major eruption was in 2006.

Ousted Tunisian President 'Stashed' Cash

(Euronews: February 20, 2011) Tunisia's former president, Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, stashed cash, gold, diamonds, and other precious items in secret spots in his palace in Tunis, according to state television. He was overthrown last month after 23 years of authoritarian rule.

Mexico Villagers Establish Local Police

(Al Jazeera English: February 19, 2011) Villagers in the highlands of Jolochitan in Guerrero, Mexico have established a DIY system for local policing that is proving effective. The southwestern state of Guerrero has long fought a battle with guerrilla fighters.

Tiger Escapes at Tokyo Zoo

(ITN News: February 22, 2011) Zookeeper Shuuhei Yamaguchi donned a tiger costume to help fellow Tokyo Zoo staff practice a tiger escape emergency drill. It took the staff an hour to recapture him.

(Al Jazeera English: 1600 PST, February 13, 2011) Protests in the capital of Yemen continued for a third day, calling for political reform and an end to President Ali Abdullah Saleh's 23 year rule.

(Al Jazeera English: 1140 PST, January 31, 2011) Incredible footage of Friday's battle between protesters and the state police over control of Cairo's Qasr al-Nil bridge.

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