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Courtyard Survey Reveals Route To Ideal Journey | The Serious ...
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BETHESDA, Md., July 31, 2012 /PRNewswire/ ? Courtyard by Marriott is encouraging men and women across the U.S. to pack their bags and do something with their significant others that they rarely get a chance to do?take a couple?s leisure getaway.
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The first ever Courtyard couple travel survey, conducted by ECHO research, revealed that 25 percent of couples never travel for leisure purposes, and on average, 50 percent only travel together once or twice per year. According to the survey of men and women, almost 70 percent say they don?t go away often enough as a couple, and 87 percent enjoy traveling with their spouse or significant other more than anyone else.
?We all have so many responsibilities in our lives that making time for ourselves and a significant other all too often becomes our last priority,? said Janis Milham, vice president and global brand manager for Courtyard. ?Making time for a weekend or overnight getaway to a fun destination can be rejuvenating, and there is no better time than now to find that perfect destination.?
To inspire couples to hit the road more often, Courtyard teamed up with engaged travel bloggers Johnny Jet and Natalie Bahadur to identify top U.S destinations that offer everything couples look for in a leisure destination.
The good news, according to the survey, is both men and women agree on what?s important when on vacation together. Top couples? priorities include visiting local attractions (56 percent), rejuvenating (39 percent), being romantic (37 percent), developing their relationship (35 percent), eating great new foods (33 percent), and relaxing at their hotel (28 percent).?
When asked what they wish their partner would surprise them with away from home, both men and women ranked a fancy dinner out as number one. Following a fancy dinner, men would like to be surprised with catching a pro sporting event or an adventure activity, and women would like to be surprised with a couple?s spa treatment or shopping?although both men and women recognize those activities may not be on top of their partner?s activity wish list.
Based on couples? travel preferences, Johnny Jet and Bahadur developed a list of 20 well-trodden and off-the-beaten-path locations destined to make for fun and relaxing getaways where couples can discover local treasures, try tasty food, relax, and rekindle their relationships.
?We were very thoughtful in selecting the cities on our list and encourage other couples to explore all they have to offer,? said Johnny Jet. ?They offer such a variety of escapes, you can experience something new?whether it?s food, nature, art, or an adventure together.?
Destinations that made the list include Albuquerque, N.M., Boise, Idaho, Cape Cod Hyannis, Mass., Chicago, Ill., Dallas, Texas, Denver, Colo., ?Erie, Pa., Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, Key West, Fla., Las Vegas, Nev., Louisville, Ky., Los Angeles, Calif., New Orleans, La., New York City, N.Y.,? Norwalk, Conn., Oakland, Calif., Savannah, Ga., Seattle, Wash., Scottsdale, Ariz., and Washington, D.C. ?See below to find out what makes these destinations unique. ??
Johnny Jet and Bahadur also have compiled a list of travel tips for couples taking an overdue adventure together. Some of their tips for an unbeatable getaway with your significant other include:
- Communicate?Before hitting the road, discuss goals, interests, and desires for the trip so both parties don?t have unrealistic expectations.
- Laugh?Travel plans can go wrong or change at the drop of a hat. Be prepared for changes in your itinerary, and roll with the punches.
- Relax?Take some time at the hotel to relax, just the two of you. It?s rare to have uninterrupted quiet time, so take advantage of it.
- Forget?Forget about the past and don?t re-hash recurring arguments while away. Similarly, if an argument breaks out on the trip, leave it there, don?t bring it home.
- Patience?Be patient with each other. The trip is about spending time together, not necessarily about sticking to a rigid schedule.
For a full list of Johnny Jet and Bahadur?s destinations and travel tips, please see below. To stay at Courtyard on your next leisure getaway and save up to 20 percent on your room rate, visit https://www.marriott.com/courtyard-hotels/book-early-and-save.mi.
The Courtyard Travel Survey was completed online among a random sample of 1000 U.S. adult couples with 722 (couples traveling together) qualifying for the travel relating questions. Interviewing was conducted by Echo Research between June 5 and 8, 2012. The results have a margin of error of +/- 3.6 percentage points at the 95 percent level of confidence.
About Courtyard by Marriott
Courtyard by Marriott offers a refreshing environment that helps guests stay connected, productive, and balanced. Intuitive services and design accommodate guests? needs for choice and control. With more than 900 locations in 37 countries, Courtyard by Marriott hotels participate in the award-winning Marriott Rewards frequent travel program that allows members to earn hotel points or airline miles for every dollar spent during each stay. For more information, go to www.courtyard.com.
Visit Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) for company information. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.
About Echo Research
Echo Research (www.echoresearch.com) has a 23-year track record in communications research ? media content analysis, stakeholder evaluation and reputation measurement. As part of the Ebiquity Group (www.ebiquity.com), Echo and Ebiquity are leaders in above- and below-line communications tracking and research, providing independent data-driven insights to the global media, CMO and CCO community to continuously improve clients? business performance.
20 Top Leisure Destinations for Couples
Compiled by Travel Blogger Johnny Jet and Fianc?e Natalie Bahadur
The recent ?Courtship by Courtyard? survey by Courtyard by Marriott revealed that couples traveling together for fun prioritize visiting local attractions, rejuvenating, and being romantic.? On behalf of the hotel, travel blogger Johnny Jet and fianc?e Natalie Bahadur, a lifestyle writer and avid traveler, identified 20 getaway destinations, ranging from urban hot spots to laid-back waterfront towns that offer everything important to those traveling as a twosome.
Albuquerque, NM
Enjoy all New Mexico has to offer by floating above it! In your romantic hot air balloon, fly over the famous Rio Grand river, visit shops in Santa Fe, and taste some of the best Mexican food north of the border at Sadie?s of New Mexico.??
Boise, ID
Idaho is known for more than just potatoes. Explore the forests, rivers, state parks, and even a few breathtaking caves! Hike, bike, or tube through the Idaho landscapes or spend a romantic evening at the Idaho Shakespeare Festival.
Cape Cod Hyannis, MA
A short drive from Boston and nestled on the famous coast of Massachusetts, Cape Cod has everything for a leisurely getaway. Take a walk on the beach or through the perfectly American summer town. Provincetown, at the tip of the cape, provides the perfect spot to catch a glimpse of a passing whale pod. Indulge by visiting or staying on the islands of Nantucket or Martha?s Vineyard.
Chicago, IL
Deep-dish pizzas, world-famous museums, and cutting-edge architecture are only a few things that the ?windy city? has to offer. Visit the historic Navy Pier or spend a day shopping on Michigan Avenue. Sports lovers will always have a game to attend, especially at the famous Wrigley Field.
Dallas, TX
As the saying goes, ?Everything is bigger in Texas,? and Dallas is no exception. Fort Worth is the booming hub of Texas commerce and only 30 miles west of Dallas. Together, these cities offer the best barbeque and Tex-Mex in the southwest. Put on your cowboy hat and boots and enjoy a night of line dancing and mechanical bull riding at the largest honky-tonk in the world, Billy Bob?s Texas Review.
Denver, CO
Denver is known for sitting at the foot of the majestic Rocky Mountains. At a mile above sea level, the breathtaking ?mile-high city? also offers great restaurants, entertainment, and art. Catch a live show at the beautiful Red Rocks Amphitheatre, which is carved in a geological formation and is renowned for its natural acoustics.
Erie, PA
National Geographic and countless others have claimed that Lake Erie is one of the best spots in the world to watch a sunset. Take a stroll through Presque Isle State Park, which has 11 beaches along Lake Erie, and enjoy activities such as swimming, boating, hiking, biking, rollerblading, and bird watching.
Kailua-Kona, HI
Hawaii always makes the list for top getaway destinations. The sun shines year-round, and it offers some of the best beaches in the world. In this seaside town, numerous historic sites illustrate the main island?s culture and tradition. Take a walk in the sand, explore the town, or simply relax on the beach. If you are looking for adventure, explore the beautiful rainforest or hike to the local volcano.
Key West, FL
Travel to the tip of the Florida coastline, only 90 miles from island of Cuba. Enjoy this tropical destination with its vibrant nightlife, bars, and live bands throughout the city. Take a relaxing dip in the warm Atlantic, visit the famous Hemingway House or Key West Lighthouse, or grab a drink at an outdoor Tiki bar and enjoy it on a white sand beach.
Las Vegas, NV
You never know what to expect in Sin City. Shop until you drop at the Forum Shops at Caesar?s Palace, which offers the most valuable retail real estate in the country. Take a walk down the strip and pop into a casino and risk your luck on a slot machine. Thrill seekers, take the leap off the Stratosphere Casino, Hotel and Tower; it?s a free-fall from 855 feet or the equivalent of 108 floors. If you are still unsure of what you want, ask any hotel concierge service (Remember in Vegas, you don?t need to be a guest for advice).
Los Angeles, CA
When arriving in Los Angeles, fuel up at In-N-Out Burger and head over to Sunset Boulevard to go shopping (or window shopping!) on Rodeo Drive. Make sure you get a glimpse of the Hollywood sign, and try to catch one of the celebrities on the TMZ tour. Pop over to Hollywood and find your favorite celebrity on the Walk of Fame, or visit Universal Studios, Hollywood. Enjoy one evening on the Santa Monica Pier and ride the Ferris wheel over the Pacific.
Louisville, KY
If you are heading to Louisville in the spring, don?t forget your hat! Wild and extra-large hats are donned for the Kentucky Derby, so if you are lucky enough to see the race, make sure you are prepared. Enjoy a classic mint julep and head over to the Louisville Slugger Museum, the famous maker of most wooden baseball bats. The epicenter of bars, restaurants, and nightlife is found on Fourth Street Live!
New Orleans, LA
Travel to the historic French Quarter, and with a drink in hand, make your way down the famous Bourbon Street. One will enjoy the tranquility and culture this city offers. Jazz musicians still flock to New Orleans to play anywhere they can, even on the street. Po?boys, jambalaya, and gumbo are the must-have foods in this Creole-influenced city.
New York City, NY
Explore the Big Apple?s soaring cityscapes, world-class entertainment, and national landmarks that make this city a destination any couple can enjoy. The amazing restaurants, famous theatres, and vibrant nightlife will keep you busy in the city that never sleeps. Visit the museum at ground zero, and if you register beforehand, admission is free.
Norwalk, CT
This port city is home to some of the trendiest shopping and dining in New England. Eat at the Rowayton Seafood Restaurant, right on the water, grab a pie at Rowayton Pizza, or a lobster roll from 101. Roll up your jeans and take a romantic walk along the shores of Long Island Sound. Rent kayaks at the Rowayton Market and head for the Five Mile River.
Oakland, CA
Oakland is central to the many wonders of Northern California. Take a day trip to San Francisco or Sonoma for some wine tasting. The city is in resurgence from the 80?s and 90?s and offers trendy shops and some of the best restaurants in the Bay Area. You may even catch one of the many festivals at Jack London Square.?
Savannah, GA
The scenery in Savannah is best enjoyed on a historic horse-drawn carriage. Take in the natural beauty of the Weeping Willow trees or experience true southern cooking at Paula Deen?s restaurant, The Lady and Sons. If you have a sweet tooth, stop by Savannah?s Candy Kitchen for some traditional southern treats sure to fill your craving for sweets.
Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale is known for its 325-plus days of sunshine. It is also home to world-class spas and golf resorts. Transport yourself to the Old West and visit some old-time saloons. Grab a hot dog and attend a professional spring training baseball game, known as the Cactus League.
Seattle, WA
Birthplace of Starbucks and home to the famous Pike?s Place Fish Market, Seattle isn?t just a city; it is a work of art. The most obvious feature of Seattle is the Space Needle, erected for the 1962 World?s Fair. Take a walk through downtown or the shores of Puget Sound and gaze on the city?s surrounding natural beauty. The tallest and most stunning peak in the Cascade Mountain range, Mount Rainer soars above the city to provide a breathtaking view.
Washington, D.C.
Couples will enjoy our nation?s capital because of its history. One of the best ways to enjoy this is on the jogging track around the National Mall. When finished, have a picnic on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and hopefully spot the cherry blossoms in full bloom. Washington, D.C. is home to the world-famous Smithsonian Museum: with more than 137 million items in its collection, it?s the world?s largest museum and research complex. It might take more than a day to see it all!
To find a Courtyard by Marriott in the selected destinations, visit http://www.marriott.com/courtyard.
Travel Blogger Johnny Jet and Fianc?e Natalie Bahadur, Lifestyle Writer and Avid Traveler, Offer Tips for a Successful, Rejuvenating Couple?s Getaway
Before You Pack:
- Once you decide on a place to go, look for local activities that appeal to both you and your spouse. ?Ask a couple you know who?s been there, or ask friends on Facebook and Twitter for recommendations.
- If you?ll be visiting family and friends, make sure you schedule some alone time together.
- Decide together if you would rather play your schedule by ear or each plan some activities.? And be sure to talk about a budget, and do your best to stick to it.
- Agree if it?s ok to do things separately?you don?t necessarily have to spend every minute together. Reconnecting with your partner is also about reconnecting and rejuvenating yourself.
- Try to leave work behind. If it?s realistic, consider leaving your laptops at home or only accessing them if it?s an emergency.
- Get organized for smooth travel. Print confirmations and itineraries before you leave. Scan your passport and credit cards (front and back) and email them to yourself on a web-based email account; if these things are stolen, you?ll have copies available.
During the Trip:
- Be flexible, as you?ll be in new surroundings. Have a sense of humor if travel plans go wrong, have a back-up plan if it rains, and most importantly, relax and enjoy the time together.
Home Sweet Home:
- Create an online photo album of your trip together, so you can share your experience with friends and family. Be sure your spouse is happy with any pictures you plan to post online.
- Now that you?re home, commit to taking time for each other as often as you can. Start thinking about and even planning future trips and getaways so you have something to look forward to together.
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Source: http://serious-speculator.com/2012/07/31/courtyard-survey-reveals-route-to-ideal-journey/
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Natural Allergy Relief: Is It Doable? ?
Do you undergo from allergies? When you do, you may have been prescribed prescription medication by your doctor. If not, you will have nonetheless tired various over-the-counter allergy reduction medications and products. Sadly, medicine doesn?t at all times work for all allergy sufferers. That leaves many individuals wondering if there is a manner that they can seek extra natural aid, with out using medicine.
As for whether or not or not you may seek allergy aid with out the usage of prescription remedy or over-the-counter merchandise, you?ll discover that you just can. In fact, you can find that you?ve got quite a lot of totally different options. Some of these options usually are not only safer than using medicine, however they are additionally a lot cheaper.
If you don?t suffer from food allergic reactions, you can use meals as technique to search relief. As for why you need to avoid this approach in case you suffer from a food allergy, it?s as a result of you may have another allergic reaction, which you are attempting to prevent. With that stated, if you?re affected by seasonal allergic reactions, pet allergy symptoms, mold and mildew allergies, certain meals may be able to give you relief. These foods embrace the juice from a lime, specifically when blended with lukewarm water, eating one or two bananas a day, in addition to consuming vegetable juices.
One other more natural technique to relive a number of the signs which are associated with allergy symptoms is with vitamin B5. Though many typically take into account vitamin dietary supplements to be medicine, they don?t seem to be really. Although you may be taking a complement, it?s nonetheless much more natural than many allergy aid medications. For how much vitamin B5 should be taken, most advocate one complement a day for round two or three months.
Despite the fact that natural ways to hunt aid from allergic reactions are mostly associated with pure treatments that contain certain meals, vitamins, and herbs, there are other steps which you could take. For instance, you can take away yourself out of your trigger factors. For example, you probably have allergic reactions which might be resulting from mildew and mildew, keep away from areas in your home the place mildew or mildew is present, like your basement. If you happen to suffer from allergic reactions as a consequence of mud, take into account hiring a professional cleansing service or you?ll be able to clean more usually, which ought to reduce the amount of dust that accumulates overtime.
Because it was beforehand acknowledged, it?s suggested that you simply show warning if you endure from a meals allergy. It is because many meals allergy symptoms are extra severe than different allergies, similar to pet allergies. Those that are allergic to peanuts can truly go into shock and die inside a matter of minutes. For that motive, in case you undergo from food allergy symptoms, you?ll not need to simply limit your consumption of foods, but you?ll want to utterly eradicate the food or meals that you?re allergic to out of your diet. That is necessary to know as some victims do get different allergic reactions confused. For example, those who endure from pet allergies don?t at all times must find a new house for their pets, however they need to limit their contact. Nevertheless, it is important to remember that meals allergy symptoms and pet allergic reactions are not the same.
As previously stated, there are a variety of different methods which you could pure seek allergy relief. If you?re on the lookout for extra steps which you could take, carry out an ordinary internet search online. Additionally, think about investing in pure treatment books or guides which might be designed to help these residing with allergies.
There is more content available on find out more here look at Erinn I. Studler?s site there is plenty of points not covered on this page, find those details on Author?s website to uncover more.
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New class at Joondalup Health Campus for staff | Yoga 2 Fitness
Are you a staff member at Joondalup Health Campus ?
Are you wanting to try a Flex, Tone and Relax class which includes yoga, pilates, fitness stretches and a guided relaxation/meditation ?
Then join us in the Activities Room at Joondalup Health Campus on TUESDAY afternoons from 4.40pm ? 5.45pm
Your first trial class is FREE !?? then purchase a 5 class pass for $55-
Contact Charlyn Tan on 94009196?? or? me (Bettina) on 0438800499
Source: http://www.yoga2fitness.com.au/new-class-at-joondalup-health-campus-for-staff/
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In Poland, Romney heralds economic freedom | FOX13Now.com ...
Mitt and Ann Romney visit the Solidarity Monument in Gdansk, Poland on Monday, July 30, 2012.
(CNN) ? Mitt Romney?s speech in Warsaw Tuesday ? his last on a week-long foreign tour ? offered effusive praise for Poland, the country that has proved to be the smoothest stop on his three-nation trip.
Romney framed the former Soviet-aligned state as an example of free enterprise at its best, and linked the economic successes of the country to principles he cites frequently as a presidential candidate: smaller government, living within budgetary means, and a climate that fosters innovation.
Describing Poland as an ?example and defender of freedom,? Romney said the alliance between the country and the United States was based in a common system of beliefs.
?Our nations belong to the great fellowship of democracies,? Romney said. ?We speak the same language of freedom and justice. We uphold the right of every person to live in peace. I believe it is critical to stand by those who have stood by America. Solidarity was a great movement that freed a nation. And it is with solidarity that America and Poland face the future.?
Romney?s Tuesday speech marked his last public remarks on a week long, three-country foreign swing meant to bolster his foreign policy credentials ahead of what is expected to a close November election.
The trip also brought the candidate to London and Israel, where he met with political and military leaders and visited various historic sites. His first two stops were marred by stumbles, including a suggestion that the organizers of the London Olympics were ill prepared to host the 2012 Games. In Israel, his remarks in support of the Jewish state provoked an angry response from Palestinian leaders. But his stop in Poland was largely free of any major gaffe from the candidate.
Poland has a somewhat frosty relationship with President Barack Obama, who reversed a decision by former President George W. Bush to install a missile defense system in the country.
Obama?s image in Poland was further shaken in May when his use of the term ?Polish death camp,? rather than Nazi death camp, sparked outrage.
Large numbers of Polish-Americans reside in U.S. battleground states, including Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Ohio, lending another political angle to Romney?s visit there.
Romney?s stop in Poland came after an invitation from Lech Walesa, the shipyard worker who went on to inspire the Solidarity trade union and the eventual fall of the Iron Curtain. Walesa later was elected president.
Romney and Walesa met in Gdansk, where the Solidarity movement began. The presumptive GOP nominee also toured historic sights in the city, including the World War II Westerplatte memorial, and met with Poland?s current Prime Minister, Donald Tusk.
On Tuesday, Romney?s stops in Warsaw included a visit to the country?s Tomb of the Unknown Solider and a meeting with the Polish foreign minister.
In his speech, Romney said Americans were ?inspired? by Poland?s history, mentioning the country?s struggle against Nazi occupation during World War II and the Solidarity movement begun by Walesa.
?I, and my fellow Americans, are inspired by the path of freedom tread by the people of Poland,? Romney said.
Romney also hailed Pope John Paul II, the popular leader of the Catholic Church who died in 2005. Romney said the late pontiff ?understood that a nation is not a flag or a plot of land,? but instead a ?community of values.?
Praising the Polish economy, Romney linked a history of living under communist rule to what he saw as a commitment to free enterprise.
?Perhaps because here in Poland centralized control is no distant memory, you have brought a special determination to securing a free and prosperous economy,? Romney said.
In his remarks, Romney only briefly mentioned Russia, which he has labeled the United States? top ?geopolitical foe.? Romney said in Russia, ?once-promising advances toward a free and open society have faltered,? listing the country alongside Syria, Venezuela and Belarus as examples of places where ?the desire to be free is met with brutal oppression.?
By Kevin Liptak, CNN
? & ? 2012 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company. All rights reserved.
Related:
Palestinians protest Romney statements as ?racist?
Romney trip begins in shambles
Source: http://fox13now.com/2012/07/31/in-poland-romney-heralds-economic-freedom/
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MIXED DOUBLES: NO SERENA
Serena Williams of the United States returns a shot to Urszula Radwanska at the All England Lawn Tennis Club at Wimbledon, in London, at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Monday, July 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Serena Williams of the United States returns a shot to Urszula Radwanska at the All England Lawn Tennis Club at Wimbledon, in London, at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Monday, July 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
No Serena Williams in the mix for Olympics mixed doubles, it turns out.
Williams won't play mixed doubles at the Olympics, and the two U.S. teams will instead feature four doubles specialists ? the Bryan brothers, Liezel Huber and Lisa Raymond.
Williams, who is competing in singles and with her sister Venus in women's doubles, had repeatedly said she also wanted to play mixed doubles. But she became coy about the subject in recent weeks and wasn't on the list when teams were nominated Tuesday. Competition begins Wednesday with 16 teams.
? Steven Wine ? Twitter http://twitter.com/Steve_Wine
___
EDITOR'S NOTE ? "Eyes on London" shows you the Olympics through the eyes of Associated Press journalists across the 2012 Olympic city and around the world. Follow them on Twitter where available with the handles listed after each item, and get even more AP updates from the games here: http://twitter.com/AP_Sports
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Taliban happy Pakistan reopened NATO supply line
In this Friday, July 6, 2012 photo, Pakistani driver, Ihsanullah, 45, speaks on his mobile phone on top of a truck carrying NATO Humvees at a terminal in the Pakistani-Afghan border, in Chaman, Pakistan. As the United States trumpets its success in persuading Pakistan to end its seven-month blockade of supplies for NATO troops in Afghanistan, another group privately cheers its good fortune: the Taliban. One of the Afghan war?s great ironies is that both NATO and the Taliban rely on the convoys to fuel their operations a recipe for seemingly endless conflict. (AP Photo/Matiullah Achakzai)
In this Friday, July 6, 2012 photo, Pakistani driver, Ihsanullah, 45, speaks on his mobile phone on top of a truck carrying NATO Humvees at a terminal in the Pakistani-Afghan border, in Chaman, Pakistan. As the United States trumpets its success in persuading Pakistan to end its seven-month blockade of supplies for NATO troops in Afghanistan, another group privately cheers its good fortune: the Taliban. One of the Afghan war?s great ironies is that both NATO and the Taliban rely on the convoys to fuel their operations a recipe for seemingly endless conflict. (AP Photo/Matiullah Achakzai)
FILE - In this Thursday, July 12, 2012 file photo, a man sits on a NATO supply truck entering Afghanistan from Pakistan at Torkham border crossing in east of Kabul, Afghanistan. As the United States trumpets its success in persuading Pakistan to end its seven-month blockade of supplies for NATO troops in Afghanistan, another group privately cheers its good fortune: the Taliban. One of the Afghan war?s great ironies is that both NATO and the Taliban rely on the convoys to fuel their operations a recipe for seemingly endless conflict. (AP Photo/Rahmat Gul, File)
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (AP) ? As the United States trumpeted its success in persuading Pakistan to end its seven-month blockade of supplies for NATO troops in Afghanistan, another group privately cheered its good fortune: the Taliban.
One of the Afghan war's great ironies is that both NATO and the Taliban rely on the convoys to fuel their operations ? a recipe for seemingly endless conflict.
The insurgents have earned millions of dollars from Afghan security firms that illegally paid them not to attack trucks making the perilous journey from Pakistan to coalition bases throughout Afghanistan ? a practice the U.S. has tried to crack down on but admits likely still occurs.
Militants often target the convoys in Pakistan as well, but there have been far fewer reports of trucking companies paying off the insurgents, possibly because the route there is less vulnerable to attack.
Pakistan's decision to close its border to NATO supplies in November in retaliation for U.S. airstrikes that killed 24 Pakistani troops significantly reduced the flow of cash to militants operating in southern and eastern Afghanistan, where the convoys travel up from Pakistan, said Taliban commanders.
Pakistan reopened the supply route in early July after the U.S. apologized for the deaths of the soldiers.
"Stopping these supplies caused us real trouble," a Taliban commander who leads about 60 insurgents in eastern Ghazni province told The Associated Press in an interview. "Earnings dropped down pretty badly. Therefore the rebellion was not as strong as we had planned."
A second Taliban commander who controls several dozen fighters in southern Kandahar province said the money from security companies was a key source of financing for the insurgency, which uses it to pay fighters and buy weapons, ammunition and other supplies.
"We are able to make money in bundles," the commander told the AP by telephone. "Therefore, the NATO supply is very important for us."
Both commanders spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of being targeted by NATO or Afghan forces, and neither would specify exactly how much money they make off the convoys.
The U.S. military estimated last year that $360 million in U.S. tax dollars ended up in the hands of the Taliban, criminals and power brokers with ties to both. More than half the losses flowed through a $2.1 billion contract to truck huge amounts of food, water and fuel to American troops across Afghanistan.
The military said only a small percentage of the $360 million was funneled to the Taliban and other insurgent groups. But even a small percentage would mean millions of dollars, and the militants, who rely on crude weaponry, require relatively little money to operate.
The military investigated one power broker who owned a private security company and was known to supply weapons to the Taliban. The power broker, who was not named, received payments from a trucking contractor doing business with the U.S. Over more than two years, the power broker funneled $8.5 million to the owners of an unlicensed money exchange service used by insurgents.
A congressional report in 2010 called "Warlord, Inc." said trucking contractors pay tens of millions of dollars annually to local warlords across Afghanistan in exchange for guarding their supply convoys, some of which are suspected of paying off the Taliban.
The military instituted a new, roughly $1 billion trucking contract last September with a different set of companies that it claims has reduced the flow of money to insurgents by providing greater visibility of which subcontractors those firms hire, said Maj. Gen. Richard Longo, head of a U.S. anti-corruption task force in Afghanistan.
But it's very difficult to cut off the illegal transfers completely, he said.
"I think it would be naive on my part to suggest that no money is going to the enemy," said Longo. "I think there is still money flowing to criminals, and I think that the nexus between criminals and the insurgency is there."
Rep. John Tierney, the Democrat from Massachusetts who led the Warlord, Inc. report, said the new contract has resulted in some increased contractor oversight and accountability, but "the Department of Defense must take more aggressive steps to keep our military personnel safe and to protect taxpayer dollars from going to our enemies in Afghanistan."
The U.S. pushed Pakistan hard to reopen the NATO supply line through the country because it had been forced to use a longer route that runs into northern Afghanistan through Central Asia and costs an additional $100 million per month.
The Taliban commanders interviewed by the AP said the northern route was less lucrative for them because fewer trucks passed through southern and eastern Afghanistan, and contractors seemed to have less money to direct toward the insurgents. It's unclear if that is a result of the new trucking contract implemented by the military.
But the commanders said they were determined to get their cut as the flow of trucks resumes from Pakistan ? a process that has been slowed by bureaucratic delays, disputes over compensation and concerns about security.
"We charge these trucks as they pass through every area, and they are forced to pay," said the commander operating in Ghazni. "If they don't, the supplies never arrive, or they face the consequence of heavy attacks."
Prior to the November attack, the U.S. and other NATO countries shipped about 30 percent of their nonlethal supplies from Pakistan's southern port city of Karachi through two main crossings on the Afghan border.
The route through Pakistan will become even more critical as the U.S. seeks to withdraw most of its combat troops by the end of 2014, a process that will require tens of thousands of containers carrying equipment and supplies.
"We have had to wait these past seven months for the supply lines to reopen and our income to start again," said the Taliban commander in Ghazni. "Now work is back to normal."
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Abbot reported from Islamabad and can be reached at https://twitter.com/sebabbot . Associated Press writer Richard Lardner contributed to this report from Washington.
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