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
Mullah Omar’s Death Could Be a Nightmare for Afghanistan and NATO
Who is left among the Taliban leadership to conduct peace talks?
Ideas
If Only US Leaders Read This Book On Pakistan That Was on Bin Laden's Shelf
While the U.S. draws down in Afghanistan, there's still time to hold Pakistan to account as the hostile state it is, rather than the challenging ally so many delude themselves into believing.
Business
Punish US Generals for Mismanaging Afghan War Funds, Says Inspector General
The Army failed to stop the construction of never-to-be-used $36 million command center.
Threats
What the First Battle of the 21st Century Tells Us About the Next Ones
One battle from late 2001 offered Americans an early glimpse of the complexity, contradictions and shifting allegiances that characterize the war in Afghanistan.
Threats
Afghanistan Says ISIS Has Come
A suicide bombing in Jalalabad could signal the terrorist group's foothold in other unstable countries.
Policy
Pentagon’s Top Lawyer: Our Current War Law Still Works, But We Need a Better One
In a rare address, Stephen Preston argues that Congress’ sanction of the 2001 invasion of Afghanistan permits today’s air strikes against the Islamic State and more.
Ideas
Why the US Should Work With India to Stabilize Afghanistan
Here are some areas where American and Indian expertise can boost Afghanistan's security and help consolidate its democratic gains.
Business
SIGAR Says $416M for Afghan Women Could Go To Waste
The inspector general for reconstruction in Afghanistan warns USAID may not be able to track more than $400 million in spending to promote the status of women.
Ideas
A New Day in US-Afghan Relations, But for How Long?
A dazzling goodwill tour by Afghanistan’s president wins a longer U.S. presence, for now.
Policy
War? What War? Afghan President Draws Far Less Interest From Lawmakers Than Netanyahu Did
Despite thousands of lives lost in Afghanistan, billions of dollars spent and now, a halt to the U.S. withdrawal, Ashraf Ghani’s address makes barely a ripple in Congress relative to the Israeli prime minister.
Business
Bergdahl Charged With Desertion
The former Taliban captive could face a life sentence and lose all pay.
Business
Kabul's Needs Extend Far Beyond More US Troops in Afghanistan
All sides in Kabul seem to have agreed that stability in the short-term outweighs the lasting effects of numerous ministerial and governorship vacancies.
Policy
The Glowing Optimism of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani
Ashraf Ghani praised U.S. support in his speech before Congress and promised to accelerate his country's move toward self-reliance.
Threats
Obama Halts Afghanistan Drawdown And His Critics Still Pounce
The president slows the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan – and amplifies the distance between the legacy he wants to leave and the complex region he can’t.
Threats
White House To Delay Troop Withdrawal From Afghanistan
The Obama administration expects to keep 9,800 troops in the country through the end of 2015.
Ideas
Stop Putting Afghanistan on a Deadline
Withdrawal timetables only delay failure; the U.S. should stay in or get out now.
Threats