WASHINGTON (Nov. 4, 2010) — Agriculture Secretary Vilsack today announced that 150 tons of wheat stem rust-resistant wheat seed was safely planted in Afghanistan. The seed, which originated from Egypt's Agricultural Research Center as part of a joint effort with USDA and the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, is designed to help halt the spread of wheat stem rust that could threaten Afghanistan's most vital staple crop. Read more... (http://www.centcom.mil/press-releases/usda-announces-planting-of-wheat-stem-rust-resistant-seed-in-afghanistan)

KABUL (Nov. 5, 2010) — The old saying "like father, like son," is as true in Afghanistan as it is in the United States. Sherwali Hakmal, 45, and his son, Javeed, 19, are from the village of Colman in the Alingar District of Laghman province. Read more... (http://www.centcom.mil/news/afghan-father-son-graduate-police-academy-class)

BAGHDAD (Nov. 4, 2010) — What seemed like a dream months ago to bring basic education to Iraqis is now a reality thanks to the cooperation between U.S. and Iraqi agencies. Read more... (http://www.centcom.mil/news/baghdad-takes-a-stand-on-illiteracy)

CAMP TAJI, Iraq (Nov. 8, 2010) — Sixty U.S. troops deployed to Iraq were up before sunrise Nov. 7 to compete in Demon Fury, a unit competition testing the full spectrum of their combat skills. Read more... (http://www.centcom.mil/news/deployed-troops-compete-in-combat-skills-competition)