Three German soldiers were killed in Afghanistan Tuesday when their patrol near the northern city of Kunduz came under fire, the German defence minister said.

The new commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan will issue orders within days requiring troops to disengage from combat when possible, to reduce civilian deaths that have put their mission at risk, a spokesman said.

Mr. President,

First of all, I would like to congratulate you on the occasion of your election to the Presidency, as it has been remarkable in more than one way.