Topic: Kabul

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.

Suicide bomb kills Afghan deputy intelligence chief

The assassination of a high-ranking official underscores the strength of the Taliban in Afghanistan.

Western envoys: Expect run-off in Afghanistan election

The Paris meeting today was seen as an effort to pressure incumbent President Hamid Karzai amid the review of more than 1,000 complaints of voting fraud.

Contractors in Kabul accused of 'lewd and deviant behavior'

Security guards at the US Embassy in Afghanistan indulged in hazing and nudity, the Project on Government Oversight says. It calls for Pentagon oversight.

US commander: Afghan situation 'serious' but winnable

Gen. Stanley McChrystal submitted his recommendations Monday for a revised strategy to turn around the conflict.

Pentagon's urgent bid to counter Afghan roadside bombs

It will increase its number of bomb disposal teams by half. It is also upping its order of bomb-resistant troop carriers, called M-ATVs.

Afghan election fraud allegations mount as Karzai lead widens

Though many Afghan citizens and politicians are alleging fraud, analysts say getting to the bottom of what happened is a difficult exercise.

Afghan election results close as fraud claims mount

Top candidates Hamid Karzai and Abdullah Abdullah stand nearly tied at 40 percent. But 90 percent of polling stations remain to be counted and a rising number of fraud complaints adjudicated.

Young Gitmo detainee released, meets Hamid Karzai

The Afghan, who said tortured into falsely confessing that he attacked US troops, has spent nearly one third of his life in the detention center.

Afghan elections: What might happen next

With President Hamid Karzai's rivals crying foul, the incumbent may win by solid margins but lose legitimacy – which could hamper counterinsurgency efforts.

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?

Afghan elections: What's at stake?

Voting today will test the legitimacy of the government and the credibility of the international counterinsurgency strategy.

Police crack down on journalists during Afghan election

Reporters on the streets of Kabul faced beatings and arrests as the government warned that reports of violence could scare voters from the polls.

Opinion: Democracy in Afghanistan is wishful thinking

In a feudal society that long picked leaders according to religion and tradition, the winner of today's election may be seen as illegitimate – simply because he is elected.

Afghan women on the campaign trail

Their roles as canvassers, voters, even candidates in the Aug. 20 election highlight some of the gains – and remaining challenges – facing women as the country moves toward democracy.

Afghans shrug off fresh Taliban attacks

Two rockets hit the presidential palace and police headquarters in Kabul on Tuesday, two days ahead of the presidential election. Hours later, a suicide car bomb killed at least 10 and wounded more than 53.

How will NATO protect Afghan voters against rising violence?

Attacks are up 50 percent during the past 10 days. Coalition forces have set up a 'tiered' security plan at polling places.

Dostum's return to Afghanistan: a nod to 'warlord politics'

On eve of presidential vote, the ethnic Uzbek fighter, who's been in exile, rallied his base to support struggling President Hamid Karzai. Some say the move undermines a new, more democratic brand of politics.

Bomb in Kabul targets NATO headquarters, near US Embassy

The blast killed seven Afghan civilians and wounded 91 more. The aim appears to be to sow uncertainty about showing up to vote on Aug. 20.

In Pakistan, Taliban tearing apart a culture

Pashtun residents say militants have imposed extremist views on the population, displacing centuries-old traditions.

Helicopters, crowds, and cash as Afghan campaign heads into home stretch

Enthusaistic Afghans are greeting presidential candidates on the campaign trial, but that doesn't necessarily mean they're winning over supporters.

Afghanistan's answer to 'The Daily Show'?

As Aug. 20 election looms, news comedy programs on private networks poke fun at politicians – and call it like they see it.

Afghanistan: Youths embrace Euro style

Afghan candidates face more vocal constituency: women.

Presidential contenders are meeting with women's leaders ahead of the Aug. 20 vote. US forces targeted a Taliban stronghold Wednesday in bid to shore up security for the election.