In such an approach, alongside concerted crop eradication, and a continuing development of Afghanistan's economy, lies a distant glimmer of hope.

ECONOMIST: New figures show Afghanistan's opium output is rising fast

"This group, under the chairmanship of my department, will co-ordinate and oversee the continuing development of the area plans, " he said.

BBC: O'Dowd anger at tardy plans for school closures

Looks like the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is continuing its long-overdue effort to clean up its mortgage insurance program.

FORBES: HUD Boots Two FHA Mortgage Lenders