Heavy American losses in Afghanistan...

Nine US soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan in clashes with Taleban militants.

US commander Daniel Dwyer told the BBC the soldiers had been killed in clashes in the north-east of the country.

The BBC's Martin Patience in Kabul says it is one of the biggest single losses in a day for the coalition since the start of military operations there.

The attack came as international and Afghan security forces battled militants on several fronts.

On Sunday, US forces said 40 insurgents had been killed in Helmand province in the past 24 hours.  More...

See also: Condoleezza Rice: I Am Proud Of The Decision To Invade Iraq

And this: Reese: only a moron would attack Iran...

And this: The cost of the war in Iraq...

And this: When dead American soldiers are treated no better than dogs...