He had set his features into the expression of quiet optimism which it was advisable to wear when facing the telescreen.

BBC:

Pro-government forces, including Nato allies, killed more civilians in Afghanistan in the first half of 2019 than insurgents did, UN figures show.

It is the first time in the 18-year conflict that this has occurred and comes amid a ferocious US air campaign against the Taliban.

Some 717 civilians were killed by Afghan and Nato-led forces, compared to 531 by militants, the UN said.

The data comes as Washington continues to seek a swift end to the war.

The same URL, 24 hours later:

The unprecedented figures for January to June come amid a ferocious US air campaign against the Taliban.

Some 717 civilians were killed by Afghan and US forces, compared to 531 by militants, the UN said.

The latest data has been revealed as Washington and the Taliban continue negotiations over US troop withdrawals.

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