Newsline 14 August 2009: The Afghan president's brother claims he's making secret deals with Taliban commanders to ensure next week's elections proceed peacefully; hackers or freedom fighters for the digital age? We visit a hackers' conference in the Netherlands, and Madonna makes her stage debut in Poland, but the timing of the concert is causing controversy.

Talking to the Taliban
The brother of Afghan president Hamid Karzai claims he's brokered deals with Taliban commanders in some of the country's most dangerous regions to ensure voters can go safely to the polls in next week's election. But the Taliban itself denies any deals. So just how reliable is Ahmed Wali Karzai?

Digital freedon fighters
Computer enthusiasts from around the world are gathering in The Netherlands this weekend for Hackers at Random 2009. Once seen as nerds and eccentrics, these hackers now describe themselves as freedom fighters for the digital age.

Madonna in Poland
Pop icon Madonna makes her debut in Poland tomorrow. But 15 August is the Feast of the Assumption - a very important religious festival for Polish Roman Catholics. A satanic provocation says former Polish president Lech Walensa, coincidence says Madonna's tour organiser. Listen to a report by Thijs Papot.

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Photo: Yan Boechat at flickr under Creative Commons Licence