Ahead of the curve: The next 7 days
November 13th, 2011
05:10 PM ET
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Ahead of the curve: The next 7 days

Here are some of the stories that CNN plans to follow this week:

Afghan tribal elders to discuss relationship with U.S.; Taliban threatens

Afghan tribal leaders are set to gather this week for a vital meeting to discuss Afghanistan's long-term relationship with the United States and possible peace talks with the insurgency.

The Taliban, however, have threatened to disrupt the days-long event, called the loya jirga, which is scheduled to start on Wednesday.

The meeting is considered by many an important step in obtaining Afghan consent to a reduced but long-term U.S. military presence in Afghanistan and any possible peace deal with elements of the insurgency. Hundreds of community leaders have been invited from across the country. Their conclusions will likely influence Afghan President Hamid Karzai.

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Truth Squad: Fact checking the GOP debate
November 13th, 2011
05:50 AM ET
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Truth Squad: Fact checking the GOP debate

CNN's Truth Squad fact-checked some of the claims made at Saturday night's Republican presidential debate in Spartanburg, South Carolina. We'll take a look at some of the questions posed to the candidates, then share with you how they answered the question.

Romney: Repealing health plan will save billions

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney targeted the Affordable Care Act during Saturday's Republican candidates' debate in Spartanburg, South Carolina, saying a repeal would save billions of dollars.

The statement: "A lot of programs we like but we simply can't afford. The first one we'll eliminate, however, we're happy to get rid of. That's Obamacare. And that'll save us $95 billion by my fourth year," Romney said.

The verdict: True, but incomplete

Read why

Bachmann: CIA interrogation is lacking

The statement: During Saturday night's Republican candidates' debate on national security issues, Rep. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota said the United States has nowhere to take terrorists for interrogation and said the CIA does not interrogate anymore.

The verdict: Misleading

Read why

Santorum challenges Obama, Bush on Iran funding

The Statement: "I've been working on Iran since back in 2004 and proposed exactly the things that Herman and Mitt Romney suggested, which was to give money to the rebel forces there to help the pro-democracy movement and put tough sanctions in place. I was opposed by President Bush, and yet we were able to overcome that and pass the Iran Freedom and Support Act. I was able to get that done, and then President Bush didn't provide money for the pro-democracy movement and President Obama cut that money."

The verdict: Misleading

Read why

Bachmann challenges administration on deficit

The statement: "In October, we just added another $203 billion in debt. When you consider the last time that Republicans controlled the budget, it was 2007 and debt was $160 billion per year. For every man, woman and child in the United States, it means each of us took $650 in debt for the month of October," Bachmann said.

The verdict: True, but incomplete

Read why

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Filed under: Politics • Republican Party • U.S.