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
Obama Taps New General to Lead Afghan War
Lt. Gen. John Nicholson, an Army Ranger, will become the latest officer to lead the 14-year-old war.
Ideas
That 'Wasteful' Task Force? You're Not Getting the Full Story
In Afghanistan, the Pentagon’s Task Force for Business and Stability Operations fostered helpful investment — and pioneered an essential component of future missions.
Ideas
Building Afghan Security Requires a Long-Term U.S. Commitment
Can Americans — and their next president — see past short-term campaign promises to save Afghanistan?
Business
Pentagon Bought Itself $150M in Unnecessary Luxury Homes in Afghanistan, Watchdog Says
Twenty percent of a special task force's budget went to things like queen-sized beds and private security guards rather than far cheaper stays on a military base, a new report alleges.
Science & Tech
How a Poorly Rigged Antenna Contributed to Kunduz Hospital Strike
AFSOC commander describes new drones, training, and gear could prevent future deadly mistakes.
Business
Kunduz Investigation Blames Aircrew, SOF Commander, Computers
The top U.S. general in Afghanistan detailed a stunning list of “tragic but avoidable” human and technology failures that doomed the Médecins Sans Frontières hospital.
Business
Eyes On Target ‘Not Required’ For Airstrikes Like the One On Kunduz Hospital
Military gunships are loaded with expensive sensors to hit targets. But that’s not the same as knowing what to hit.
Business
The Pentagon's Afghan 'Slush Fund' Will Now Have to Answer to Angry Lawmakers
The chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee has given the DOD 48 hours to turn over its files on a controversial task force that may have misspent millions in Afghanistan.
Threats
A Breakaway Taliban Faction Comes Out in Support of Women's Rights
A new splinter group says 'under an Islamic system all rights of human beings—both men and women—need to be implemented 100 percent.'
Business
Troops' Privacy at Center of $43M Gas Station Tussle Between Pentagon, Watchdog
No one so far knows where some $42 million went for a $500k gas station in Afghanistan. But a fight between the Pentagon and its auditor is keeping the records out of the public eye.
Ideas
Kunduz, War Crimes, and the Real Laws of War
The U.S. should embrace an independent investigation of the tragic Afghanistan hospital strike to shed light—and facts—on the laws of war.
Ideas
Obama’s Two-Year Plan for Afghanistan is Doomed
Obama offered yet another short-term solution, but it’s time the US starts talking about a long-term troop agreement, just like we gave South Korea.
Ideas
5 Reasons Obama’s Afghan Withdrawal Delay is Necessary But Not Sufficient
A former Green Beret and White House policy advisor ticks off the missing elements of success.
Policy
America’s Longest War Just Got Longer: Obama Extends Afghanistan Mission
Obama halts Afghanistan withdrawal with plans to keep 9,800 troops there through 2016.
Ideas
Can Afghan Forces Resist the Taliban?
One expert thinks a bevy of complications and a security force that's spreading itself too thin are jeopardizing the country's chances.
Policy
U.S. Commander in Afghanistan: Now Is Not the Time to Leave
Gen. Campbell tells lawmakers he has sent the White House various options for keeping troops beyond 2016.
Threats