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Afghanistan
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What happens when troops - and money - leave Afghanistan?
The drawdown of foreign troops – now slated for 2013 – could destabilize Afghanistan's economy – or, according to some, help stem rampant corruption.
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Backchannels
US colonel: Don't believe US statements on progress in Afghanistan
Lt. Col. Daniel Davis just finished a year in Afghanistan and says don't believe claims of progress.
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Mistreatment of Afghan women caused by far more than Taliban
The recent murder of an Afghan woman for giving birth to a daughter, rather than a son, has captured international attention and serves as a reminder that mistreatment of women is culturally tolerated.
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Taliban talks: Another Karzai tiff with the US?
Afghan President Hamid Karzai says he will personally attend a meeting with Taliban figures in Saudi Arabia, working around Western efforts to coordinate the peace process.
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Afghanistan women: 'Give us a seat at the peace table'
Given the Taliban's history, women say it's critical that they're at the table to make sure concessions aren't made at their expense.
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Terrorism & Security
How France's threat to pull out of Afghanistan could impact NATO
In a tough day for NATO troops in Afghanistan, a man in an Afghan military uniform kills four French troops and a helicopter accident costs other NATO troops' lives.
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Backchannels
Marines urinating on the dead? This is war.
The video of US marines urinating on dead Taliban fighters has shocked many. But the dehumanizing of the enemy was much worse back in the day.
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Taliban says urination video won't harm peace talks. Why not?
A video showing what appear to be US forces urinating on dead Taliban fighters the group has drawn only muted reaction, with many Afghans saying they're now inured to US abuses.
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Taliban talks: Does Mullah Omar speak for his footsoldiers?
Taliban leaders have agreed to set up an office in Qatar to facilitate peace talks with the West. But it's unclear how well the Taliban communicate among themselves.
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Global News Blog
Peace progress? Qatar gives Taliban an office address
The Taliban, US, and Afghan officials have agreed to the let the Taliban set up an office in Qatar, providing a historic avenue for direct talks.
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Global News Blog
2011 Reflections: What happened to the US debate on Afghanistan?
Seven Monitor correspondents reflect on the world's hot spots. In this installment, Ben Arnoldy is bothered by silence on the war because, unlike him, US troops can’t choose when to come home.
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China wins $700 million Afghan oil and gas deal. Why didn't the US bid?
China’s National Petroleum Corporation became the first foreign company today to tap into Afghanistan’s oil and gas reserves. Officials estimate that the deal could be worth more than $700 million.
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Global News Blog
Attacks on Shiites in Afghanistan: Why this is different than Iraq
Afghan domestic politics revolve more around ethnicity than differences between Sunni and Shiite sects of Islam. Bomb blasts may be aimed at confidence in Afghanistan's government.
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Why engage with Pakistan?
The US still needs Islamabad’s help on Afghanistan. Pakistan needs US aid money and global connections to avert international isolation.
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Twin attacks in Afghanistan against Shiites not homegrown, say Afghans (video)
At least 58 people, many of them Shiite Muslims, died today in twin suicide attacks in Afghanistan on a Shiite holy day. But analysts say Afghanistan has no sectarian issues like Pakistan.
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With peace stalled, Afghanistan looks to extend foreign aid
With Taliban uninterested in peace talks, Afghan President Karzai seeks long-term pledges from donors at peace conference in Bonn, Germany.
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Afghans weary of yet another summit ahead of Bonn Conference
An international conference on Afghanistan's future opens Monday in Bonn, Germany. But on the streets of Kabul, Afghans have low expectations a decade into the Western presence here.
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Road out of Afghanistan: On the ground with US troops in potential final push
The recent battle for the Kajaki Valley in Helmand Province, which ended with few casualties and Taliban fighters in flight, may mark the last major operation for US troops in Afghanistan.
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Afghans see Pakistan boycott as dooming Bonn Conference
Pakistan's prime minister rejected a personal plea from the Afghan president to attend the Bonn Conference, following a NATO airstrike on a Pakistani border post.
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Afghanistan's Bonn Conference: 4 things you need to know
On Dec. 5, leaders from Afghanistan, NATO, and neighboring countries will meet in Bonn, Germany, to discuss the future of Afghanistan after US troops withdraw.
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Karzai at loya jirga: Afghanistan is 'a lion' to be respected
Afghanistan's President Hamid Karzai kicked of this week's loya jirga by pointing out both the need for international and US help and the need to make sure Afghans are setting the rules in their own country.
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After the US pulls out, will CIA rely more on Afghan mercenaries?
Thousands of Afghan mercenaries are believed to be helping America battle Al Qaeda, the Taliban, and their allies. But they're accused of flagrant human rights abuses.
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Loya jirga: Afghans question Karzai's motives in calling the meeting
Afghan President Karzai has summoned more than 2,000 leaders to a loya jirga to consult on relations with the US and the Taliban. Some question if he is trying to bypass parliament.
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Suicide bomber tests Afghan security at loya jirga meeting
Afghan forces killed a suicide bomber trying to enter the site of high-level loya jirga meeting that starts Wednesday. Recent attacks and a report that the Taliban obtained security details of the meeting have Kabul on edge.
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Clinton urges Pakistan to get tougher on terrorists
If Secretary of State Clinton asks Pakistan to carry out targeted operations against the Haqqani network on her visit this week, she is likely to be met with a frosty response, say analysts.
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