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
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.
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