Quickhits - Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Gaza

(AP) US readying south Afghan surge against Taliban (Significant not only because of the troop increase along "the front," but also because these American troops will be inserted into areas previously controlled by the British and Canadians. Are US troops taking over these areas?)

The NYTimes has a piece on the corruption and bribery that has taken over the Afghan government. (Frankly, I'm a little surprised at the "high prices," considering how poor Afghanistan is.)

(AFP) Five dead in US missile strike in South Waziristan.

(AP) Pakistan reopens the US/Khyber Pass supply route. (How much progress could they have made in three days?)

(Reuters) India says Pakistan has done little about militants.

(Guardian) Another article saying the Iraqi government intends to close the anti-Iranian MEK compound. (Sounds pretty damned civilized. The Iraqi National Security adviser "led a delegation" to the camp.)

And, (McClatchy) US, Isreali policies helped strengthen Hamas.