Attacks with makeshift bombs hit a record high of more than 16,000 in Afghanistan in the past year, and the increasing harm they cause to Afghan civilians indicates insurgents may lack strong leadership, military officials say.

READ THE FULL REPORT: IED attacks in Afghanistan set record – USATODAY.com.

Pakistani officials say gunmen have attacked a military checkpoint in southwestern Baluchistan Province, killing six soldiers. Read the full report: Gunmen Attack Pakistani Checkpoint, Kill 6 Soldiers.

The governor’s office in Afghanistan’s southern Helmand Province says a suicide car bomber has killed at least four people and wounded 31 others in Lashkar Gah, the capital of the province. Read the full report: Afghan Suicide Car Bombing Kills At Least 4.

At least 13 people have been reported killed in two bomb attacks in Iraq.

Read the full report: Attack On Iraqi Policemen’s Home Kills 10 On Violent Day.

Graphic of World Military Spending (Iran’s too Small to Show up) | Informed Comment.

The teacher still keeps family photos of the dead, visual mementos of lives cut short in an unremitting hail of gunfire. Read the full report: In Iraq, Haditha case is reminder of justice denied – latimes.com.