Many observers predict U.S. President-elect Barack Obama will face many obstacles during his term that have the potential to endanger the American reputation.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 (UPI) -- Denials notwithstanding, secret talks were held in Mecca and in Pakistan between Taliban reps and secret emissaries from the Afghan government, including an Iftar dinner hosted by Saudi King Abdullah. The Saudis estimate the Afghan war is unwinnable for NATO. Donor fatigue is rampant. And the world's financial support system is crumbling.

KABUL, Afghanistan, Aug. 4 (UPI) -- The strategy of a resurgent Taliban in Afghanistan is not to control territory but to outlast NATO and U.S. forces, the militant group's leaders assert.

The wing of the Taliban led by Baitullah Mehsud wants to focus on the Talibanization of Pakistan.

KABUL, Afghanistan, Dec. 29 (UPI) -- Mullah Mohammad Omar, the supreme leader of the Taliban, criticized calls for cross-border tribal councils between Pakistan and Afghanistan as a trap.

KABUL, Afghanistan, Oct. 23 (UPI) -- The leader of the militant Taliban movement in Afghanistan warned that violence will increase and the government will be toppled.

KABUL, Afghanistan, March 16 (UPI) -- The Taliban has announced plans for a summer campaign of terror using a large numbers of young recruits in which "Afghan soil will turn red."

KABUL, Afghanistan, Jan. 9 (UPI) -- Taliban leader Mullah Mohammad Omar vowed Monday to step up attacks against US forces in the near future, Pakistani and Afghan news sources reported.

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, Oct. 5 (UPI) -- The self-styled Taliban spokesman -- captured earlier this week in Pakistan -- said Taliban supreme leader Mullah Mohammed Omar is still in Afghanistan.