Topic: Afghanistan

Former US official accuses Afghan government of stymying anti-opium efforts

Thomas Schweich charges that President Karzai is protecting drug traffickers within his power base, and says the US Defense Department and some NATO allies have also resisted antiopium efforts.

How Obama's foreign tour plays at home

He burnished his foreign policy credentials, analysts say, but will his Berlin speech backfire?

Leader's visit to help set U.S.-Pakistan priorities

Prime minister Gilani arrives at the White House Monday. Likely topics: counterterrorism and democratic stability.

In Berlin, Obama calls for stronger U.S.-Europe partnership

The Illinois senator addressed an enthusiastic crowd of some 250,000 that stretched for a mile to the storied Brandenburg Gate.

Berliners welcome Obama as they did JFK

The Democratic presidential nominee, who delivers the sole public foreign policy speech of his overseas tour here Thursday, was dubbed 'president of the world' by Der Spiegel.

USA

The Monitor's View: Closing 'Gitmo' won't be easy

Where will the inmates go? Where will they be tried? Tough choices for the next president.

Obama tries to balance solidarity and neutrality

The latest stops in his Mideast tour included the rocket-besieged Israeli town of Sderot and the West Bank town of Ramallah.

Military revisits Afghanistan plan

A key component is likely to be more troops, but the strategy must go beyond that, experts say.

In Berlin, Obama calls for stronger U.S.-Europe partnership

The Illinois senator addressed an enthusiastic crowd of some 250,000 that stretched for a mile to the storied Brandenburg Gate.

Berliners welcome Obama as they did JFK

The Democratic presidential nominee, who delivers the sole public foreign policy speech of his overseas tour here Thursday, was dubbed 'president of the world' by Der Spiegel.

How one vet's persistence paid off

Paul Weaver wanted answers from the VA about his disability benefits. In the end, the Iraq war vet helped many others.

Obama talks to U.S. commanders and Iraqi officials

The presidential candidate has said he will draw down troops in Iraq if elected.

Detainees’ rights debated as Guantanamo trial begins

After issuing landmark ruling, the Supreme Court has yet to clarify the appeals process for more than 275 Guantanamo detainees.

Obama and McCain diverge on Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Obama likely to return US to role of 'honest broker.' McCain sees fighting Islamic extremists as paramount.

Obama's tour of Afghanistan renews debate about US role

The presidential candidate met officials and soldiers here this weekend at the start of a global tour.

World

Obama and McCain diverge on Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Obama likely to return US to role of 'honest broker.' McCain sees fighting Islamic extremists as paramount.

Opinion: Obama's opportunity in the Middle East

To strengthen ties, he should not ask 'Why do they hate us?' but 'Why don't they believe us?'

The Monitor's View: Behind Afghanistan lies Pakistan

The US is wising up about Pakistan, where Al Qaeda and the Taliban find safe haven.

China's Olympic muddle

This coming-out party is already tarnished by a worsening human rights record.

Judge allows Hamdan military trial to go forward

It's a win for the Bush administration, which insists that Guantánamo proceedings are necessary to fight the war on terror.

The Monitor's View: China's Olympic muddle

This coming-out party is already tarnished by a worsening human rights record.

Guantánamo video, deserter case draw Canadian criticism of U.S. ties

On Tuesday, a US Army deserter was deported. An unrelated but simultaneous video release showed a Canadian Gitmo detainee taken at age 15 crying, 'Oh Mommy!'

The Monitor's View: The fading debate over an Iraq pullout

Events on the ground could cause Obama or McCain to carry out similar strategies.