Topic: Jalalludin Haqqani

Who are the Taliban and what do they want? 5 key points

While Pakistani and Afghan insurgents often get labeled as the 'Taliban,' in reality there are several groups that often act independently and have distinct command structures, ideologies, and strategies.

Who's really behind the Kabul attacks?

The Taliban claim responsibility for recent Kabul attacks, but the US pins blame specifically on the Pakistan-based Haqqani network in what some see as a bid to salvage Taliban peace talks.

Why Admiral Mullen is talking tough with Pakistan over Haqqani militants

In an uncharacteristically blunt move, US Adm. Mike Mullen said publicly that Pakistan had a 'longstanding relationship' with the Haqqani militant group. The US appears to be both prodding Pakistan to finally root out militants in its border region and attempting to set the parameters for Afghan peace talks.

Pentagon's quiet shift on Afghanistan war: Maybe safe havens aren't crucial

For years, the Pentagon has stressed the importance to the Afghanistan war of eradicating safe havens for the Taliban and other insurgents in Pakistan. Now, it's easing off those claims.

The world in 2011: Trends and events to watch in every region

Monitor staff writers and correspondents in each of the world's regions share what they expect to be top headlines in 2011.

New US approach to Afghanistan insurgency: Vindication for Pakistan?

Afghanistan and the US are showing signs of a new approach to insurgents in Afghanistan. The approach may ultimately allow Pakistan more influence in Afghanistan as the US prepares to leave next year.

5 key players in Pakistan's tribal belt

Pakistan’s security forces have conducted military operations in many of the tribal regions bordering Afghanistan, except North Waziristan, causing the area to become something of a haven for militants.

Tribal and local intelligence sources say some 15,000 militants take shelter in this semiautonomous tribal belt.

“It’s a cobweb,” says former Pakistani diplomat Ayaz Wazir.

Based on interviews with local tribesmen and intelligence sources, here’s a list of the five biggest players in the region:

US drone attacks bombard Haqqani network in Pakistan

The latest US drone attack killed 14 suspected militants in Pakistan, bringing the number of people killed by drones in September alone to 75 as the US targets the Haqqani network.

Pakistan drone attack, aimed at Haqqani network, kills at least six

The target of the drone attack was the Haqqani network, a Pakistani militant group based near the Afghanistan border that has been blamed for attacks on NATO troops.

WikiLeaks report fictitious, says Pakistan's ex-spy chief Hamid Gul

WikiLeaks' release of classified US documents include claims that Pakistan's former spy chief Hamid Gul ordered attacks against NATO troops. Mr. Gul speaks with the Monitor about the WikiLeaks reports.

Help US prevent future Faisal Shahzads? Pakistan demurs.

The US is likely to further pressure on Pakistan to clear militant strongholds after Times Square bomb suspect Faisal Shahzad said he trained in one. But Pakistan has wavered on cracking down before.

Afghanistan war: Who’s who in the Taliban leadership

In the Afghanistan war, the Taliban’s leadership council, or the Quetta Shura, has had 7 of its 15 Afghan members arrested in Pakistan in recent days. Here's a look at the key players in the Afghan Taliban leadership.

Pakistan terrorists target more civilians in 2009

New report says Islamist militant strikes in Pakistan rose 45 percent in 2009, with a total of 2,586 attacks. Eighty-seven of the terrorist attacks were suicide bombers. As the year ended, more of the attacks targeted civilians.

CIA agents killed in Afghanistan were in Taliban's backyard

Seven CIA agents and five Canadians were killed Wednesday in two separate incidents in Khost and Kandahar. Where they were killed gives an indication of where fighting will be the toughest in Afghanistan – and why.

Will Pakistan military go after Taliban in North Waziristan?

Pakistan military officers are split. Some want to attack key North Waziristan Taliban, including the Haqqani network. Others don't want to challenge the Taliban leader who controls swaths of Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Pakistan to US: Don't surge in Afghanistan, talk to Taliban

Pakistan contradicts US Gen. McChrystal's strategy of pulling back from Afghanistan borders, and disagrees with the strategy of a surge to defeat the Taliban.

Why South Waziristan offensive won't help US in Afghanistan

The Pakistan Army is going after terrorists who target Pakistan. All the major terrorist networks attacking US forces in Afghanistan operate from other areas of Pakistan.

Why defeating the Taliban is key to stopping Al Qaeda

Only in Afghanistan and Pakistan have we seen jihadism actually take root in large numbers.

Airstrike hits 12 in Pakistan, Taliban kill dozens

Militants killed dozens of security officers and tribal elders and bombed a school Thursday after a drone attack struck the Taliban stronghold of North Waziristan.

Pakistani Taliban: Two men to replace Baitullah Mehsud

Hakimullah Mehsud and Waliur Rehman will share control, but analysts say infighting could erupt again.

Before David Rohde escaped, a flurry of efforts to win his release

The team working to free the New York Times reporter reached out to kidnappers and debated whether to go public.

The most deadly US foe in Afghanistan

The Haqqani network, born of the Russian war and nurtured by the CIA, is behind many spectacular assaults in Afghanistan.

Briefing: Who are the Taliban?

The umbrella organization includes many different groups fighting the Afghan government and Western forces.

Taliban suicide bomber kills 11 in Pakistan

The attack targeted members of an anti-Taliban militant group.

Key Afghan insurgents open door to talks

The Haqqani network has agreed to discuss a peace proposal with government-backed mediators.