Topic: Kabul

US 'Afpak' strategy troubles some in US and Pakistan

American lawmakers say they haven't been briefed on plans, as some in Pakistan describe the administration as 'confused.'

Gates ousts US commander in Afghanistan, saying 'we must do better'

The man he wants for the post, Lt. Gen. Stanley McChrystal, is deeply versed in special operations.

Pakistan's sharia cease-fire: I knew it wouldn't work, Zardari says

Political and military leaders in the region try to look to the positive as Taliban fighters entrench in Pakistan's Swat Valley.

Afghanistan's divided opposition boosts Karzai's election bid

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

Taliban announce 'countersurge' in Afghanistan

The militants have vowed to launch a new offensive against US and its allies, which are preparing to increase troop levels.

In remote Afghan valley, a rare peace sprouts with insurgents

Promises of cash and jobs – rather than ideological pledges – help prompt fighters to lay down their arms. But questions remain about the program's efficacy.

Why textbooks we paid for never reached Afghan schools

Pakistani Taliban in Swat refuse to give up arms

The militants had struck a deal to relinquish their weapons in return for Islamic law in the region.

NATO, US seek alternatives to Pakistan supply routes

Antiwar activists split over Obama's Afghanistan policy

Lawmakers and others who were against the Iraq war generally support the president. But they worry about another 'quagmire.'

US-Iran thaw could bolster Afghanistan rebuilding efforts

In The Hague this week, Iranian officials offered to cooperate with the US. Iran has pursued an ambitious redevelopment effort in Afghanistan since 2001.

G-20 could help US, Russia "reset" ties

Afghanistan and arms control are two areas where the countries could find common ground.

Obama's strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan

The President's plan for the increasingly troubled region is ambitious, although his goals are more limited than Bush's.

Taliban suicide bomber kills 11 in Pakistan

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

Monitor writers celebrate ‘unique’ moments

From crawling on the carpet with Ronald Reagan to sipping tea with the Che Guevara of Afghanistan, former staffers recount stories as the Monitor transitions to new formats.

$1,000 for a kebab? Afghan villages fight corruption.

Locals trained by an NGO gather to scrutinize officials' books.

Key Afghan insurgents open door to talks

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

Kabul’s morning obstacle course

Soldier's Afghan dog story comes back to bite

Don’t ask, don’t tell? Pets are forbidden – but the rules are often overlooked in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Many in Afghanistan oppose Obama's troop buildup plans

Frustration and fear is sparking opposition to plans that would nearly double the size of US forces there.

Karzai draws criticism for early election call

Moving the presidential vote up to spring from August could undercut opponents, who still have to plan their campaigns.

Opinion: Who has the power in Afghanistan?

That question is key to promoting unity and ending the insurgency.

Despite opposition, Afghan Christians worship in secret

Christians meet underground in a country where official churches do not exist.

Taliban extends cease-fire in Pakistan's Swat Valley

The move came shortly after a Taliban group in the nearby Bajur region declared a unilateral cease-fire.

US troop buildup in Afghanistan could be a defining moment

Obama's order to send 17,000 more troops comes before US has set a clear strategy.