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
Pentagon: Afghans Called In Deadly Strike on Hospital
Top NATO commander blames misfire on Afghan forces, Taliban.
Threats
US, NATO, Afghan Forces Retake Kunduz — Maybe
Conflicting reports emerge as coalition forces and Taliban battle for control of the city.
Threats
US Airstrikes, Afghan Forces Fail to Reclaim Kunduz
Afghan troops and civilians fled to the airport as the city was captured by the Taliban on Monday.
Ideas
Kabul's Mood Turns Toward Despair
From shopkeepers to university lecturers, the question of whether security is improving in an increasingly independent Afghanistan was met with just one response: Things are actually worse.
Threats