WORLD BRIEFS

AFGHANISTAN: Gitmo ex-inmate's role in war

A man freed from Guantánamo more than two years ago after he said he only wanted to go home and help his family is now a senior commander running Taliban resistance to the U.S.-led offensive in southern Afghanistan, two Afghan intelligence officials say. Abdul Qayyum is also seen as a candidate to be the next No. 2 in the Afghan Taliban hierarchy, said the officials, interviewed by The Associated Press. The story of Abdul Qayyum could add to complications President Barack Obama is facing in fulfilling his pledge to close the prison at Guantánamo by sending some prisoners back to their home countries or to other willing nations, while putting others on trial. U.S. intelligence asserts that 20 percent of suspects released from the prison have returned to the fight.