The bigger test, commanders say, will be using millions of aid dollars to roll out what they are calling "government-in-a-box, " a ready-made administration that is intended to allow the Afghan government to quickly reassert its authority in an area where its representatives didn't dare set foot earlier in the week.

WSJ: U.S. Starts Afghan Surge

The UK Foreign Office said it was sending representatives to hospitals in the area to establish whether any Britons were among the victims.

BBC: Glasgow & West Scotland

The changes in funding will depend on approval by the police and crime panel for the Thames Valley made up of representatives from councils across the area.

BBC: Thames Valley PCC Anthony Stansfeld wants council tax rise

The U.N. plans to send a special mission, comprised of representatives from a variety of aid agencies, to the area next week to talk to community leaders, doctors and humanitarian organizations about the allegations, the spokesman said.

CNN: UNICEF reports sexual violence in the Congo region

And it is great that people are more aware and concerned about issues like climate change, but it would be even better if they supported their elected representatives not to lose their nerve in negotiating effective regulatory instruments in this area.

ECONOMIST: The Opposition's closing statement