Topic: Helmand Province

Featured

When dictators fall, so do their banknotes

The following now defunct or possibly soon-to-be defunct banknotes are imbued with the symbols and iconography of their leaders, past and present.

All Content

Pakistani fertilizer grows both Taliban bombs and Afghan crops

The Pakistani government is working with the US to make sure a key ingredient for bombs stays away from insurgents in Afghanistan, but that effort may be having an unintended casualty.
5 US soldiers killed by bomb in southern Afghanistan

During one of the bloodiest weeks for NATO forces this year in Afghanistan, five US soldiers were killed Saturday when an explosive device struck their vehicle in the Kandahar province.
Afghanistan, Pakistan, and UK call Taliban to negotiating table

Afghan and Pakistani leaders traveled to London to discuss restarting talks with the Taliban. The countries decided to open offices in Qatar to facilitate talks.
When dictators fall, so do their banknotes

The following now defunct or possibly soon-to-be defunct banknotes are imbued with the symbols and iconography of their leaders, past and present.
Afghanistan: Taliban may be 'weak,' but fear remains

As President Karzai discusses his country's future with President Obama in Washington, many Afghans continue day-to-day fight against extremist intimidation on the ground.
Terrorism & Security British soldier killed in latest 'insider attack' in Afghanistan (+video)

The shooting highlights concerns about the Afghan National Army's ability to assume responsibility for security as international troops begin their drawdown.
Afghan presidential election set for April 2014, easing international concerns

Many were worried that Karzai might delay elections to remain in power and so welcomed the move to set a firm date.
Pregnant soldier gives birth to baby boy in Afghan combat zone (+video)

Pregnant soldier: A British servicewoman became a mother Tuesday at Afghanistan's Camp Bastion, in the first instance of an active member of the British military giving birth in a combat zone.
Are insider attacks in Afghanistan a 'last gasp' of the Taliban? (+video)

US officials say that three recent incidents where Afghan troops are thought to have turned their weapons on their NATO allies represent a serious threat, but will not affect the timeline of US troop withdrawal.
Four American NATO troops killed in Afghan 'insider' attack (+video)

Four US troops serving with NATO were killed Sunday in a suspected insider attack in southern Afghanistan, in what is thought to be the second deadly instance this weekend of Afghan policemen turning on their allies.
Afghanistan: Six killed by insiders, insurgents blow up $180m in jets

Green-on-blue attacks in Afghanistan have killed at least 51 international troops this year.
War-weary US is numbed to drumbeat of troop deaths in Afghanistan

Each week at war has a certain sameness for those not fighting in Afghanistan. Yet every week brings sorrow to those who learn that a son or daughter, brother or sister, was killed or wounded.
Terrorism & Security Afghanistan war: More insider attacks hand Australia worst casualties since Vietnam

Five Australian soldiers were killed in Afghanistan yesterday and today, including three apparently murdered by Afghan Police forces.
US soldiers punished over Quran Burning in Afghanistan

The US military said on Monday it was disciplining US soldiers over Quran Burning in Afghanistan early this year.
Did Taliban behead 17 people for dancing? Maybe not.

Initial reports said 17 people were beheaded by the Taliban for dancing and singing. Taliban leaders fighting over two women triggered the killings, says a provincial official.
Three US soldiers killed by man in Afghan uniform

This is the third attack against coalition forces by Afghans in one week.
Editor's Blog Women warriors: How close to combat?

Women in the US military have been unofficially on the front lines in Afghanistan and Iraq. Now they are looking to formalize their role.
Two harrowing US military rescues offer haunting portrait of Afghan war

Rescue pilots in Afghanistan describe flying five to 10 combat missions a day, on constant alert. Describing one mission, for which he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor last week, Col. Christopher Barnett says: 'It was like the Alamo.'
Pentagon signals 'acute' problems in Afghanistan, even as US cuts forces (+video)

The presence of Al Qaeda and Taliban safe havens in Pakistan remains unresolved – and may be beyond the capacity of the US military to fix, a new report to Congress concludes.
The Monitor's View US must focus on Afghanistan heroin trade

With so many Americans trying heroin each year, Congress and Obama must fund long-term efforts to curb poppy growing and the opium trade in Afghanistan, even after the US ends its combat role. This will also curb opium profits funding the Taliban.
Terrorism & Security Reports: Afghan soldiers complicit in a suicide plot against their own government

The alleged discovery of nearly a dozen suicide vests at the Afghan Ministry of Defense deepens concerns about the loyalty of Afghan security forces, which have already killed 16 coalition troops this year.
First Taliban, now turncoats: Another Afghan soldier opens fire

The killing of two British soldiers at a NATO base in Helmand by an Afghan soldier comes just two weeks after US Staff Sgt. Robert Bales allegedly killed 16 Afghan civilians.
Difference Maker Dina Fesler opens a unique school in Afghanistan

Dina Fesler went to Afghanistan to learn how to teach U.S. students about the country. Now she's opened a school there.
Keep Calm Afghan President Karzai's angry ultimatums have parallels in post-colonial Africa

After the massacre of 16 Afghan civilians by a US Army sergeant, Afghan President Karzai told the US to speed up withdrawal. Post-colonial experience from Africa suggests that US departure may not be pretty.
Six UK soldiers believed killed in Afghanistan blast

Six UK soldiers were believed missing and presumed dead after an explosion hit their armored vehicle in southwestern Afghanistan on Tuesday evening.