KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — The Afghan government has banned “The Kite Runner” film from theaters and DVD shops, an official said Wednesday, though Afghan shop owners with stalls at U.S. military bases are still selling the movie there.

WASHINGTON — In an unusual public criticism, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said he believes NATO forces currently deployed in southern Afghanistan do not know how to combat a guerrilla insurgency, a deficiency that could be contributing to the rising violence in the fight against the Taliban.

TEHRAN (FNA) A visiting Afghan official Tuesday night described Iran’s investments in his country as vital.