Topic: Afghanistan

From Iran's hard-liners, tough talk – but pragmatism as well

Positions that suggest little flexibility may simply be a strong opening bid by those who have the ear of Iran's leaders.

In Afghanistan, real journalists carry cameras

Oops! Pakistan condemns US's drone attacks (but also hosts them)

Indonesia welcomes Clinton with songs – and a bit of shoe-throwing

Turkey could furnish a safe way home as US departs Iraq

The Habur Gate – a dusty two-lane checkpoint – may be one of the best routes out.

Letters to the Editor

Readers write about a cap-and-trade policy for CO2 emissions, why the West shouldn't lecture China about greenhouse-gases, the need for Afghanistan's neighbors to help contain the volatile country, and mandatory service in the US.

Moscow again eyes Afghanistan 20 years after retreat

Fearful that US failure there could unleash the Taliban and other Islamist insurgencies, Russia may help NATO open a supply line through former Soviet territory.

Obama's trip to Canada will highlight differences on Afghanistan

Opinion: A reality check for Obama in Afghanistan

He's facing pressure to increase US troop levels there. Has Washington learned nothing from the Soviet experience?

Pakistan-Taliban deal: Islamic law for peace in Swat Valley

The militants released a Chinese engineer held hostage for nearly six months ahead of the cease-fire announcement.

Cellphone banking takes Kenya by storm

Less than two years after introducing mobile banking, M-Pesa has registered one-sixth of the population as customers and moves more than $4 million each day.

Security up at porous Afghan border

The US, Pakistan coordinate troops to prevent militants from fleeing to either side.

Dutch still wincing at Bush-era 'Invasion of The Hague Act'

Though largely symbolic, the law could be having lasting implications.

Clinton's first destination as secretary of State: a rising Asia

She'll talk with China and three other nations about climate change, the financial crisis, and more.

Coordinated Kabul assault shows Taliban strength

Insurgents attacked three government offices in a heavily fortified area Wednesday, a day before US envoy Holbrooke's visit.

Pakistan admits links to Mumbai attacks, arrests chief suspects

But the government also unveiled a slew of foreign links pointing to a network of "non-state actors" providing logistical support from around the globe.

Afghanistan: signs of progress in Jalalabad

Will Obama keep some Bush antiterror tactics?

The new administration’s stance in a rendition case raises questions about how much it will break from past policy.

Next flash point over terror detainees: Bagram prison

With Guantánamo set to close, more attention is falling on the US military facility in Afghanistan and those in custody there.

Holbrooke begins 'listening tour'

The special representative launched his three-day visit in Pakistan Tuesday with an aim to 'listen and learn,' but also to urge the US ally to eliminate its militant havens.

Drug violence in Mexico presents threat at US backdoor

At least 35 people were killed in 24 hours in the worst spate of bloodshed yet this year.

World

Europe listens cautiously to Obama agenda

Biden opens a door on Iran, but presses allies on Afghanistan.

Can Obama envoy George Mitchell kick-start Mideast peace?

Colleagues ask: If the former Northern Ireland peacemaker can't do it, who can?

World