Topic: Afghanistan

Loss of US jobs is slowing, but hasn't stopped

"There is light at the end of the tunnel, and it is getting brighter," says one economist.

Pakistanis flee Swat Valley as military strikes Taliban

As Army bombs the area, militants are digging in and preparing for ground battle.

Obama's defense budget shifts focus to Afghanistan and Pakistan

The administration also ends accounting practices that kept war funding from public scrutiny.

The Monitor's View: Refugees will judge Pakistan's anti-Taliban fight

Islamabad must be accountable to people fleeing the Swat Valley region.

Are Pakistani Taliban finding new foothold in south?

Analysts say political leaders could strengthen militants' appeal if they do not manage deep ethnic tensions – which resulted in clashes that killed 30 people last week.

One aim of US-Afghan-Pakistani summit: a parade for aid

Congress holds the key to billions in new assistance, but some lawmakers are skeptical it would diminish the terrorist threat.

US, Karzai seek to mend fraying relationship at summit

Washington has been increasingly critical of the Afghan president. But with Karzai likely to win reelection this year, both sides will want to dial back the recriminations.

With piracy odds in their favor, ships shun armed guards

The small number of successful pirate attacks, an increase in military patrols, and legal concerns have kept many firms from hiring security.

The Monitor's View: The Obama doctrine: Charm enemies, arm-twist friends

For a friendly foreign leader, a visit to the White House can be a visit to the woodshed.

Today's briefing: Pakistan's next hot spot, Mexico returns to normal

Afghanistan's divided opposition boosts Karzai's election bid

Though unpopular, the president has more national reach than the shrinking pool of contenders.

Today's briefing: Georgia shaking, economy mending,

Next Taliban conquest? A view from Pakistan's frontline.

Residents living between the militants and the capital worry their understaffed security forces can't defend their town.

Fighting a high-tech war with a low-tech mule

US Marines and soldiers are training to fight in Afghanistan, where mules and donkeys can haul supplies and weapons to places where Humvees and helicopters can't easily go.

Opinion: Are US missile strikes in Pakistan a dud policy?

Predator drones have negative consequences that should be openly debated.

US faces Iraq-like spending problems in Afghanistan

With billions at stake, there's major concern about lack of accountability – especially with so many private contractors involved.

Pakistan resumes peace talks with Taliban amid heavy offensive

To bolster tenuous progress, the Army must push on to drive the Taliban out of Swat Valley, according to some analysts.

As it leaves Iraq, Britain looks warily to Afghanistan

British politicians called for an investigation into intelligence mistakes that led the country into the Iraq war.

In replacing Souter, how far left will Obama go?

He'll face pressure from his liberal base in his pick for the Supreme Court.

Spanish judge opens Guantánamo investigation

Baltasar Garzón is bringing the case based on 'universal jurisdiction,' in which serious crimes can be tried outside national borders.

Taliban announce 'countersurge' in Afghanistan

The militants have vowed to launch a new offensive against US and its allies, which are preparing to increase troop levels.

Gates's next lever to reshape the Pentagon: QDR

This week, the Defense Department will begin the Quadrennial Defense Review, a year-long study that should help the secretary put his stamp on the military.

Gurkha veterans wage tough new fight to settle in Britain

Some 35,000 members of the legendary brigade have been denied the right to retire in the country they served.

At Europe's doorway, a Greek city grapples with growing illegal immigrant problem

Afghan immigrants often make their way to Patras, where they become entangled in EU asylum laws.

President Obama's news conference -- full text