Topic: Andrew Wilder

How to smarten up US aid in Afghanistan

Afghanistan war: USAID spends too much, too fast to win hearts and minds

In the Afghanistan war, it's quantity vs. quality: The USAID battle for hearts and minds is being lost just as President Obama's 'civilian surge' prepares to more than double annual assistance to $5 billion.

In Afghanistan war, marines' struggle to recruit locals could delay US exit

In Khan Neshin, near the Pakistan border, recruitment of locals for the Afghanistan war effort is an often frustrating process. Obstacles include candidates' drug use, illiteracy, and fear of the Taliban.

Afghan voting marred by violence that killed 26 and closed polling places

About 11 percent fewer polling places opened than Afghanistan estimated it needed. Provinces expected to vote for President Hamid Karzai had the most problems. Could it tip the election?

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.