As U.S. Marines build up their forces at a remote airstrip southwest of Kandahar, Pakistani security officers are conducting talks between Taliban officials and rival Pashtun leaders in hopes of preventing a chaotic battle for the last stretch of Afghanistan still controlled by the radical Islamic militia, The Washington Post reports in its Thursday edition. The increased activity by Pakistan, coupled with an offer to provide security for U.N. aid workers in border areas inside Afghanistan, reflected Pakistan's desire to resume its traditional role as a major player in Afghanistan, the Post wrote. Bureau Report