Topic: Afghanistan

Obama's national security 'team of rivals'

His choice of Gates, Clinton, and Jones reflects his goal of building a bipartisan cabinet.

Will NATO do more for Obama?

Obama's popularity abroad may not get him the extra forces in Afghanistan from NATO allies.

The Monitor's View: Best ways to react to India's '9/11'

The three-day assault was likely aimed at sparking India and Pakistan into overreacting.

'Three Cups of Tea'

Continuity in wartime behind Obama’s decision on Gates

Keeping the Defense secretary allows Obama's team to move quickly on a foreign-policy challenges.

Signs of thaw in bitter South Asian dispute

Trade reopens after 60 years along Kashmir's 'Berlin Wall.'

Rise in crime, kidnapping, top Afghans' worries

Western forces target the Taliban, but for many Afghans the biggest threat comes from criminals and complicitous police.

Reporters on the Job

The Monitor's View: Iraq's vote for independence

Its parliament should approve a pact on a 2011 US withdrawal to assert Iraqi sovereignty.

World

Barnes & Noble interview with Khaled Hosseini

Thanks to 'The Kite Runner,' a new school in Afghanistan

US airstrikes put Pakistan's leaders on defensive

It summoned the US ambassador Thursday to formally complain after an attack hit deep inside Pakistani territory.

Is Kashmir key to Afghan peace?

Barack Obama says resolving the Indian-Pakistani dispute over Kashmir will be a goal of his presidency, ending eight years of silence on the issue.

US judge orders five Guantánamo detainees freed for lack of evidence

Experts say the ruling is 'a clear warning shot to the government' over Gitmo detention policies.

Iran: Will talks happen under Obama?

A period of reestablishing relations with Iran's partners seems likely. Also expect contacts with lower-tier Iranian officials.

Al Qaeda No. 2 insults Obama with racial slur in new video

In what terrorism analysts say is an attempt to show that the president-elect may not meet Muslims' expectations for change in the Middle East, Ayman al-Zawahiri called Obama 'dishonorable.'

World

Petraeus had Bush's ear. Will Mike Mullen have Obama's?

The Joint Chiefs chairman may come closer to the views of the new president.

Opinion: Secretary of State Clinton?

In Hillary, Obama would be launching a superstar diplomat.

Afghan Air Corps takes off, slowly

The US is helping rebuild an air force that is badly needed in the vast country.

US drone hits militant hideout in Pakistan

It was the first US attack outside of the country's tribal belt. Conflicting reports have arisen as to Pakistan's approval of US tactics.

Reporters on the Job

Karzai's bid for negotiations with Taliban roundly rejected

Afghan president says those who disagree with his offer of safety for the Taliban to attend talks can unseat him or leave the country.

World