Ideas
Planning for Withdrawal in Afghanistan May Be Smart, But It’s Not Wise
Getting the new Afghan president to sign a troop deal will require a steady hand through the next several months of political uncertainty. By Daniel Markey
Policy
Border Corruption Is Costing the Afghan Government Millions
The U.S. has spent nearly $200 million since 2009 to help Afghanistan fight corruption on its borders. It’s not working. By Charles S. Clark
Threats
Who Will Be Afghanistan’s Next President?
As the votes are counted, the U.S. is hopeful that the winner will continue to support American interests in Afghanistan. By Michael Hirsh
Threats
Afghan Election Was a 'Real Defeat' to the Taliban
To the surprise of both Afghan and foreign observers, the Taliban failed to carry out a single large-scale assault during the election. By David Rohde
Policy
The Newfound Political Power of Afghan Youth
Afghanistan's historic election is a contest not just of candidates but of generations. By Uri Friedman
Threats
Gen. Allen: It’s Time Obama Commits To Staying in Afghanistan
Former war commander Gen. John Allen says the successful vote in Afghanistan shows why the U.S. can’t abandon the country now. By Gayle Tzemach Lemmon
Ideas
SPECIAL REPORT: Afghanistan Election
Read the best of Defense One's Afghanistan coverage as the nation votes this weekend for a new president and sets the course of its future. By Defense One Staff
Ideas
The Future of Afghanistan Depends on Local Politics—Not Kabul
Want to know what’s in store for Afghanistan? Saturday’s presidential election only offers a partial answer. By Faiysal AliKhan
Business
USAID Accused of Covering Up Failures in Afghanistan
When asked to provide a list of 10 successful programs in Afghanistan, USAID replied with 'generalities' the inspector general said. By Charles S. Clark
Threats
After Afghan Election, Debate Over Post-2014 Troops Continues
Military and diplomatic officials worry that the gains in Afghanistan will be lost if U.S. and NATO forces pack up and leave. By Gayle Tzemach Lemmon
Threats
The U.S. Military’s Most Crucial Mission Yet in Afghanistan
This weekend’s presidential election in Afghanistan will help determine the fate of the U.S. mission there. By Stephanie Gaskell
Ideas
Why This Year's Elections in Afghanistan Won't Matter That Much
Four analysts told the Council on Foreign Relations that the upcoming elections may not have that big of an impact on Afghanistan's security situation. Interview By Zachary Laub
Business
Pakistan Isn’t Getting Any U.S. Military Equipment from Afghanistan
Despite media reports, U.S. military officials say Pakistan won’t get any of its leftover military equipment after troops drawdown at the end of the year. By Sara Sorcher
Ideas
Afghanistan’s Rising Export Is Not Opium – It’s Telecoms
Roshan Telecom is Afghanistan’s newest growing export, giving hope that the war-torn nation can move beyond opium and rebuild its economy. By Leo Mirani
Policy
Pentagon Wants to Keep Controversial War Budget Beyond Afghanistan
The war in Afghanistan is winding down, but the Pentagon hopes its war budget goes on. By Stephanie Gaskell
Threats
Karzai Blasts Dempsey Over ‘Zero Option’ Remarks
Afghan President Hamid Karzai says Gen. Martin Dempsey’s comments are just ‘intimidation’ to get him to sign the troop deal. By Stephanie Gaskell
Policy
Obama to Karzai: We’re Making Plans to Leave Afghanistan
On a rare phone call to the Afghan leader, President Obama warns that the U.S. is fully prepared to leave Afghanistan if a post-2014 troop deal isn’t signed. By Stephanie Gaskell
Policy
Poll: 49 Percent of Americans Think Afghan War Was a Mistake
It's a significant change since 2002, when 93 percent of Americans supported the war in Afghanistan. By Dustin Volz
Threats
U.S. May Have to Wait for Karzai's Successor to Get Troop Deal
James Clapper, director of national intelligence, said he doesn't believe Afghan President Hamid Karzai will sign a troop deal before he leaves office. By Sara Sorcher
Threats