Threats
ISIS-in-Afghanistan Is Losing Recruits to Other Groups, US Officials Say
SecDef Mattis says he’s made no decision on adding troops, but warns of a confrontation if Russia continues to arm the Taliban.
Threats
Afghanistan Needs ‘Thousands’ More Troops, US General Says
The commander of U.S. forces there lays the first major war decision on Donald Trump’s desk.
Ideas
Trump Inherits ‘The Good War’
Many Afghans desire a fresh U.S. approach. All must wait to see what policy emerges from the New York businessman’s scattered thoughts.
Ideas
Want to Hurt the Taliban? Legalize Opium in Afghanistan
Economics explains how anti-drug operations have undermined the war on terror.
Business
White House: $11.6B More Needed for ISIS Fight, Afghanistan
The request brings the expected 2017 price tag for both wars to $85.3 billion.
Threats
Pakistan to Obama: Kashmir Will Hurt Our Ability to Help Fight the Taliban
Pakistan wants President Obama’s help in the Kashmir conflict with India, Pakistan’s senate defense chairman will tell the National Security Council on Friday.
Ideas
In Colombia's Hope, Afghanistan's Future
Donors meeting in Brussels should remember Colombia in the 1990s looked a lot like Afghanistan today.
Ideas
Afghanistan: It’s Only Getting Worse
Is pouring billions more dollars into the country and keeping thousands of U.S. troops there the best way to keep us safe?
Ideas
Gold Star Families Deserve Better Than One News Cycle
Hashtag sympathy must be matched by real-world caring.
Ideas
Obama Asked the Military For A Plan to Protect Civilians. Here’s One.
We learned through experience the importance of preventing civilian casualties in today’s wars.
Threats
Obama Scraps Planned U.S. Troop Drawdown in Afghanistan
President Obama announced 8,400 Americans will remain into the next administration and again called on the Taliban for an elusive peace.
Ideas
‘Open Letter’ to Obama on Afghanistan Omits Key Questions
Staying the course won’t work if we don’t know where we’re going.
Ideas
Afghanistan Needs a Settlement, Not Another Troop-Withdrawal Deadline
The U.S. objective in Afghanistan is not to leave; it is to end the war on terms Americans and Afghans can live with.
Ideas
The Latest Taliban Leader’s Death Changes What, Exactly?
Ask three people what they make of Mullah Mansoor’s death by drone and you’ll get three answers, none offering a swift end to the war.
Threats
The Drone War Crosses Another Line
America took an unprecedented step over the weekend when Obama authorized the Pentagon rather than the CIA to carry out an airstrike inside Pakistan.
Science & Tech
US Blames Tech for Hospital Strike. But There’s More To The Story
The redacted investigation report reveals that the AC-130U crew got disoriented, ignored rules of engagement, and didn’t listen to a warning.
Ideas
Why a US Army Vet Cast a Muslim-American Woman to Lead His Afghan War Movie
An American paratrooper's experience with an Afghan-American interpreter formed the basis of the upcoming film, 'Day One.'
Ideas
27 Questions Before the US Extends the War in Afghanistan
Expanding U.S. combat operations or abandoning the Afghans are not the only options.
Business
Afghanistan Growing More Dangerous for US Rebuilders
The Taliban now controls more territory than at any time since 2001, the inspector general noted in just one of many downward trends for a country now in its 15th year of fighting.
Threats