Threats
Will Anyone Care About Trump's Barely-Different Afghanistan War Plan?
Pull out. Stay in. Double down. It’s the military’s war until elected officials make it America’s war. And Americans won’t care by Wednesday, anyway.
Ideas
America Needs to Stay in Afghanistan
'U.S. Afghan policy for 15 years has not been nation-building, but exit-seeking.'
Ideas
It's Time To Make Afghanistan Someone Else's Problem
A full withdrawal of U.S. forces will force Iran, Russia, and others, to step up.
Policy
Are Mercenaries Really a Cheaper Way of War?
The founder of Blackwater says privatizing the 16-year war could save taxpayer money. History, both recent and farther back, suggests a different outcome.
Ideas
'Dunkirk' Should Remind Us What Wars Are Like (And That We’re Still Fighting Them)
After our veterans screened the movie's powerful and familiar portrayals of combat, we think Americans should be talking more about our endless presence in Afghanistan and the multi-front war against ISIS.
Ideas
A Mercenary-Led Surge Won’t Solve Afghanistan
Private military contractors have spotted an opportunity as America’s longest war grinds on.
Ideas
Educating Afghanistan's Youth Is the Only True Solution to Terrorism
Widespread illiteracy undercuts not only security, but also development projects that could help lift the country out of 16 years of war.
Ideas
Mattis’s Afghanistan War Plan: Be Patient, Convince Everyone
Roll back the Taliban. Tackle ISIS. Win over Washington. Build Afghan forces. Seek support from the American public. Sound familiar?
Policy
The Biggest Bills for the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars Are Yet to Come
Benefits for World War I veterans didn’t peak until 1969. Here’s a way to keep 21st-century vets’ expenses from eating the U.S. budget.
Ideas
The Longest War Fades Even at NATO
Cameras focused on Trump, but war commanders in Afghanistan wanted more troops from NATO, not promises.
Threats
NATO Laying Groundwork to Send More Troops To Iraq, Afghanistan
The bump could come with more alliance responsibility for fighting ISIS in Iraq.
Ideas
Trump’s Afghanistan Reset Needs a Soft-Power Mission, Too
Reconciliation and peace-building can only occur if there is an open dialogue and people are working towards a shared, communal interest.
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?
Almost There!
Help us tailor content specifically for you: