Topic: Paktika Province

Defending Afghanistan: are Afghan forces ready?

An extended occupation and ever-shifting objectives could leave Afghanistan shakier in 2014 than when US-led forces arrived.

Afghan policeman attacks colleagues, undermining cornerstone of US strategy

The officer was part of the Afghan Local Police, a key component of the US and NATO goal of readying Afghan forces to take over 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.

Why political activism isn't working in Afghanistan

Despite the billions of dollars of international money spent to develop a democratic culture in Afghanistan, few understand what one politician is trying to accomplish by her hunger strike.

US soldiers feel new sense of urgency in Afghanistan war

The prevailing attitude among US soldiers is that while their remaining time on the ground may be limited, they have plenty of time to prepare Afghan forces to adequately replace them.

Afghans concur with Congress that aid money is often misspent

A congressional report released Wednesday on the $18.8 billion that Congress appropriated for Afghan development says the aid often funds fruitless projects.

US soldiers kidnapped by Taliban in Afghanistan: Are they both still alive?

Conflicting reports have emerged over whether one of the two soldiers kidnapped by the Taliban in Afghanistan on Friday was killed in an ambush. The US is offering $20,000 for information leading to their safe return.

Afghanstan war: Are some Taliban ignoring Mullah Omar's ethics code?

Last summer, Taliban leader Mullah Omar issued a new ethics code for Taliban fighters. But two killings of Taliban hostages indicate that those moral guidelines for conducting the Afghanistan war are being ignored by some fighters.

Afghanistan war: gap grows between US efforts, Afghan expectations

Many Afghans say the pace of development has not matched the amount of investment. Since 2001, the US has spent more than $39 billion on humanitarian and development projects.

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.

Afghanistan war: Soldiers from Iraq see more experienced militants

President Obama is expected to announce an Afghanistan war troop surge tonight, which will have to come from soldiers who served in Iraq. Soldiers says Afghan militants are more skilled from decades of war.

In Afghanistan, Army cook transforms rations into a mean burrito

US soldiers at this tiny base in eastern Afghanistan line up an hour early for Spc. Jose Flores's delicious meals.

Afghans on troop surge debate: It's the corruption, stupid.

Afghan leaders say any effort that doesn't address election fraud and corrupt officials will fail.

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.

What has happened to other captured soldiers?

Pfc. Bowe Bergdahl is only the second American service member taken hostage in Afghanistan since 2001. Soldier abductions have been rare in Iraq, too.

Captured US soldier in Taliban video: Held by Haqqani network?

The area the kidnapping took place suggests the kidnapping of Pfc. Bowe Bergdahl is most likely the work of the Haqqani network, an Al Qaeda-linked group, analysts say.

Afghan election: Can Karzai's rivals close the gap?

Top contenders Abdullah Abdullah and Ashraf Ghani are campaigning outside their traditional bases and attacking the incumbent.

Two US troops die in base attack far from Helmand offensive

The Marines have experienced 'light resistance' as the try to regain control of a major opium growing region. The Taliban, however, are not giving up in other parts of Afghanistan.

US offensive in Afghanistan targets Taliban stronghold

In Helmand Province, poppy cultivation funds insurgent activities. As the operation began, the US military announced a US soldier had been captured in another province.

Obama's tour of Afghanistan renews debate about US role

The presidential candidate met officials and soldiers here this weekend at the start of a global tour.

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