US 'seeks Afghan prison overhaul'

**The US is reported to have called for the overhaul of the entire Afghan prison and judicial systems, the New York Times reports.**It cites a US military review, conducted by a senior marine commander, highlighting concerns about recruitment by the Taliban within local prisons.

The paper says the review, which has not yet been released, also recommends reform of the US-run Bagram airbase.

Last month the BBC uncovered widespread allegations of abuse at the facility.

The BBC spoke to 27 ex-inmates around the country over two months, most of which alleged they were beaten, deprived of sleep and threatened with dogs at Bagram.

Prisoners in Bagram are currently refusing basic privileges available to them in a protest about their basic rights.

Extremists separated

The report was put together by US marine commander Major General Douglas M Stone. He is widely credited with transforming American detention practices in Iraq.

They did things that you would not do against animals let alone to humans

Dr Khandan, Former Bagram inmate

Ex-detainees allege Bagram abuse

Officials react to Bagram ‘abuse’

Afghan ex-prisoner speaks of fear

The New York Times reports that his key recommendation is that militants should be separated from more moderate detainees - who may typically be held on charges unrelated to militancy.

Under the new system, the US could help fund and construct an Afghan-run prison to hold extremists.

The review also reportedly recommends that the remaining prisoners should be taught vocational skills, and classes in moderate Islam, to help re-integrate them into society.

It also makes the case for more training for new Afghan prison guards, prosecutors and judges.

President Obama has said that the US is examining an alleged massacre of hundreds of prisoners who had surrendered to a US-backed warlord in Afghanistan in 2001.

The allegations first surfaced in 2002 but there has been no formal investigation.

Afghanistan is a renewed priority with the US administration, with concerns running high about the potential resurgence of the Taliban, correspondents say.

US and UK forces are currently engaged in a major operation to combat Taliban militants in the south of the country.