An Afghan official told reporters that a commander at a police checkpoint had invited them to a predawn meal and security discussion, where he opened fire on the Americans before fleeing to take refuge with Taliban militants.

CNN: Shootings by Afghan forces take growing toll on NATO troops

And the United States is interested in getting Damascus to use its influence with Hamas, which Syria views as a legitimate resistance movement and whose leaders take refuge in Syria.

CNN: Obama to send U.S. ambassador back to Syria

This week, the EU decided to take a similar approach with immigrants, launching a centralised fingerprint database to try to stop asylum-seekers applying for refuge in more than one EU country.

ECONOMIST: The enemy within | The

And Washington is interested in getting Damascus to use its influence with the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which Syria views as a legitimate resistance movement and whose leaders take refuge in Syria.

CNN: Envoy Mitchell to visit Syria