Ideas
Gold Star Families Deserve Better Than One News Cycle
Hashtag sympathy must be matched by real-world caring.
Ideas
Obama Asked the Military For A Plan to Protect Civilians. Here’s One.
We learned through experience the importance of preventing civilian casualties in today’s wars.
Threats
Obama Scraps Planned U.S. Troop Drawdown in Afghanistan
President Obama announced 8,400 Americans will remain into the next administration and again called on the Taliban for an elusive peace.
Ideas
‘Open Letter’ to Obama on Afghanistan Omits Key Questions
Staying the course won’t work if we don’t know where we’re going.
Ideas
Afghanistan Needs a Settlement, Not Another Troop-Withdrawal Deadline
The U.S. objective in Afghanistan is not to leave; it is to end the war on terms Americans and Afghans can live with.
Ideas
The Latest Taliban Leader’s Death Changes What, Exactly?
Ask three people what they make of Mullah Mansoor’s death by drone and you’ll get three answers, none offering a swift end to the war.
Threats
The Drone War Crosses Another Line
America took an unprecedented step over the weekend when Obama authorized the Pentagon rather than the CIA to carry out an airstrike inside Pakistan.
Science & Tech
US Blames Tech for Hospital Strike. But There’s More To The Story
The redacted investigation report reveals that the AC-130U crew got disoriented, ignored rules of engagement, and didn’t listen to a warning.
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.'
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