Topic: Kabul Center for Strategic Studies

Killing of former Afghan President Rabbani imperils Taliban peace talks

Former Afghan President Burhanuddin Rabbani, a prominent peace council official trying to negotiate a reconciliation deal with the Taliban, was assassinated Tuesday.

Taliban claim Afghanistan truck bomb attack that wounded 77 US troops

The claim adds to a series of mixed messages that are complicating the Taliban's efforts to become an accepted, legitimate political force in Afghanistan's government.

Helicopter crash kills dozens in Afghanistan: implications for US war effort?

Helicopter crash in eastern Afghanistan killed 31 US special forces troops and seven Afghan commandos. Officials are working to determine if insurgents brought down the craft, and if so, what technology allowed them to do so.

What Obama's security team shakeup could mean for Afghanistan

The loss of America’s top three military and diplomatic leaders at once worries Afghans. But some see the potential for a fresh start with President Karzai.

After standoff, Karzai opens newly assertive Afghan parliament

Afghanistan's President Karzai had tried to delay convening the new parliament until a special court finished investigating allegations of election fraud. His concession highlights the growing power of the legislative branch.

Why Karzai readily admits receiving bags of Iranian cash

Afghan President Hamid Karzai says he accepts bags of cash from Iran. What do the Iranians want in return?

Tearful Karzai warns of youth exodus from Afghanistan. Here's why.

A young judge's woes symbolize a rising generation's dismay over widespread corruption – and their commitment to building Afghanistan.

Kabul Conference: NATO withdrawal from Afghanistan by 2014?

'The Afghan National Security Forces should lead and conduct military operations in all provinces by the end of 2014,' says a leaked draft of the communiqué that foreign ministers at the Kabul conference are expected to sign Tuesday in Afghanistan.

General Petraeus takes command of the Afghanistan war

General Petraeus arrived in Kabul today to take over the Afghanistan war effort. Afghans say he faces a limited window to rein in corruption, make the Karzai government more accountable, and create momentum toward peace.

Who's afraid of talking to the Taliban? Many Afghans

As General Petraeus assumes command in Afghanistan, President Karzai is pushing Taliban negotiations, but many Afghan women and minorities resist such talks.

McChrystal Rolling Stone remarks spotlight Afghanistan withdrawal timeline

General McChrystal's Rolling Stone remarks, which were critical of US officials, have turned the spotlight on disputes over Afghanistan withdrawal timeline.

Afghan warlord Hekmatyar talks peace, but brings little to table

Afghan warlord Hekmatyar has sent delegates to Kabul for more preliminary peace talks. But his Hizb-e-Islami group lacks teeth on the battlefield and is unlikely to sway more powerful insurgent factions, the Taliban and the Haqqani network.

Pakistan captures another top Afghan Taliban leader, Mullah Abdul Kabir

If reports are true, Pakistan's capture of Mullah Abdul Kabir would be fifth Afghan Taliban leader seized in recent weeks.

Obama's Afghanistan speech: How it sounded to Afghans

Obama’s Afghanistan speech set a timeline for withdrawal, but some Afghans worry that by sending more troops the US aims to occupy their country – a fear the Taliban may use to recruit fighters.

Afghanistan's Abdullah calls Karzai confirmation 'illegal'

Abdullah Abdullah also said Wednesday that President Karzai's government could not effectively tackle corruption or fight Afghanistan's insurgency.

Deadly Afghanistan attack: It wasn't just the Taliban

The Taliban combined with an Al Qaeda-linked militant group and others to kill eight US soldiers in northeastern Afghanistan Sunday. The Taliban's flexibility is a major threat to US forces.

Eight years after 9/11, Taliban roils 80 percent of Afghanistan

The hijacking of a NATO supply truck and Stephen Farrell’s kidnapping have focused attention on rising insecurity in Afghanistan’s north, strikingly illustrated on a new map.

Eight years after 9/11, Taliban roils 80 percent of Afghanistan

The hijacking of a NATO supply truck and Stephen Farrell’s kidnapping havefocused attention on rising insecurity in Afghanistan’s north, strikingly illustrated on a new map.

NATO airstrike in Afghanistan overshadows drop in casualties

The attack, which killed at least 90 people near two Taliban-hijacked trucks, is a setback for NATO's push to limit civilian deaths.

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?

Does US commander's frank assessment of Afghanistan help – or hurt – war effort?

An attack near Kabul Monday seemed to reinforce Gen. Stanley McChrystal's claim that the Taliban is winning. Some say such comments hurt morale; others say his honesty inspires confidence.

Afghanistan's divided opposition boosts Karzai's election bid

Though unpopular, the president has more national reach than the shrinking pool of contenders.

Briefing: Who are the Taliban?

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

NATO, US seek alternatives to Pakistan supply routes

Coordinated Kabul assault shows Taliban strength

Insurgents attacked three government offices in a heavily fortified area Wednesday, a day before US envoy Holbrooke's visit.