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President Obama has quietly ordered an expanded role for US troops in Afghanistan through 2015, including permission to target Taliban fighters in the war-torn country.

Earlier plans had limited US soldiers to counterterrorism strikes against al Qaeda after this year.

The decision wont affect the total number of US troops in Afghanistan, which will be about 9,800 by years end and half that by the end of 2015.

The earlier plan would have only allowed attacks on Taliban if they threatened US forces or gave direct support to al Qaeda.

To the extent that Taliban members directly threaten the United States and coalition forces in Afghanistan or provide direct support to al Qaeda, however, we will take appropriate measures to keep Americans safe, a US official said.

The Taliban is much more powerful in Afghanistan than al Qaeda.

The presidents decision was made after military commanders said they wanted to be able to continue battling the Taliban.

The president wants all US troops out of Afghanistan by 2016 when his presidency will come to an end.

The US war in Afghanistan began in 2001 and has resulted in more than 3,400 US and coalition casualties.

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Obama expands US military role in Afghanistan

Children enjoy a spinning teacup ride at Afghanistan's first amusement park called City Park in Kabul, Nov. 14, 2014. AP

KABUL, Afghanistan -- Excitement builds in the queue forming behind the barbed-wire security fence outside Afghanistan's first amusement park as children in bright clothes clutch their parents' hands and hop from foot to foot in anticipation of the pleasures waiting behind the high concrete blast walls.

For the thousands of families who have visited Kabul's City Park since it opened during a national religious holiday weekend in October, it is a rare escape from lives blighted by war, death and misery.

Squealing children hardly know where to look as they race through the gates. Inside, they find large friendly characters that look almost, but not quite, like Minnie Mouse and Tom the cat from Tom and Jerry - all dancing together and dispensing hugs.

Traditional fairground rides - including a Ferris wheel and bumper cars - attract the older kids, while a carousel, face painting and games keep younger children happy.

"It's very nice, everything is very beautiful, the carousel horse ride is nice," said 6-year-old Sadaf through a gap-toothed grin as she had her face decorated like a mouse.

Set at the foot of the snow-capped Hindu Kush mountains, next to the filthy Kabul River and near a zoo famous only for its abused, one-eyed lion, City Park is one of few places residents of the Afghan capital can take their children for a relaxing day out.

The city of almost 6 million people is a virtual fortress. Major buildings are protected by concrete and barbed wire, roads are choked with traffic as former thoroughfares are blocked to prevent suicide bombers reaching potential targets like the Presidential Palace. Gun-toting security forces guard almost every street corner.

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Afghanistan Marries Pakistan but Loves India - says Pakistani media
Pakistan feels jealous with India and Afghanistan relationship. This is very well explained by Pakistani media and it is very true. Pakistani media on India. India vs Pakistan.

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Afghanistan Marries Pakistan but Loves India - says Pakistani media - Video