Ideas

Bringing NATO Into the 21st Century

NATO has to acknowledge that the world has changed since 1949 and it's time to act differently. By Marc Jacobson

Ideas

Why There Are So Few POWs From Today's Wars

Americans are taken captive at a much lower rate than in past conflicts. By Uri Friedman

Threats

In Afghanistan, Hagel Defends Bergdahl Mission

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel says the desertion question ‘will be dealt with later,’ but officials are indicating the American POW has had enough punishment. By Kevin Baron

Threats

American POW Bergdahl Freed in Prisoner Exchange

U.S. Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl has been freed from captivity in Afghanistan in a prisoner exchange with the Taliban. By Kevin Baron

Ideas

Conditions on the Ground, Not Deadlines, Should Dictate Afghan Withdrawal

President Obama may want to end the war in Afghanistan, but ignoring the conditions on the ground while he’s packing up is a mistake. By Gayle Tzemach Lemmon

Policy

This Is How Wars End in the 21st Century

The new normal is a lot like the old normal. By Major Garrett

Threats

Obama Wants All U.S. Troops Out of Afghanistan by 2017

President Obama wants to keep 9,800 troops in Afghanistan next year, then shrink to a ‘normal embassy presence’ by 2017. By Stephanie Gaskell

Threats

Afghanistan Needs More Than U.S. Troops to Survive

While the U.S. waits for Afghanistan to sign a post-2014 troop deal, a new report shows the war-torn nation is going to need a lot more than that. By Stephanie Gaskell

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