Agenda: With George Friedman on the Taliban Strategy Read more: Agenda: With George Friedman on the Taliban Strategy

The past week’s attacks by the Taliban on the U.S. Embassy in Kabul may not yet have had a psychological impact on the United States, but it does cast doubt on the Obama administration’s claims of progress in the war. STRATFOR CEO Dr. George Friedman suggests the well-planned strike was aimed at improving the Taliban’s negotiating position.

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The Crisis of Europe and European Nationalism

By George FriedmanWhen I visited Europe in 2008 and before, the idea that Europe was not going to emerge as one united political entity was regarded as heresy by many leaders. The European enterprise was seen as a work in progress moving inevitably toward unification — a group of nations committed to a common fate. What was a core vision in 2008 is now gone. What was inconceivable — the primacy of the traditional nation-state — is now commonly discussed, and steps to devolve Europe in part or in whole (such as ejecting Greece from the eurozone) are being contemplated. This is not a trivial event.

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STATBOX-Soccer-Champions League statboxes Groups A

GROUP AMANCHESTER CITY v NAPOLIHead-to-head record – no matches* In the battle of the two Champions League debutants,Manchester City have the advantage of starting with a great home record. They are unbeaten in their last 12 European home games of which they have won 10.* City have been waiting for more than 40 years to record their first victory in Europe’s premier club competition after flopping in the first round of the European Cup against Turkey’s Fenerbahce in 1968-69.* Napoli have not won any of their last four European away games and have conceded 11 goals in those matches.* Napoli have lost on all three previous visits to England and all by at least a two-goal margin, including a 3-1 defeat to Liverpool in last season’s Europa League.

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