Taliban Influence Grows in Afghanistan’s ‘Safest Province’

Taliban Influence Grows in Afghanistan’s ‘Safest Province’ | Bamiyan cut off from rest of the world

Afghanistan Denies Weekend Suicide Bomber Was in Spy Agency

Afghanistan Denies Weekend Suicide Bomber Was in Spy Agency | Rejects claim incident was another ‘insider attack’

US Begins Talks to Extend Troop Presence in Afghanistan Beyond 2014

The US has begun negotiations with the Kabul government over the extension of troop presence past 2014, despite repeated claims by the Obama administration that the war in Afghanistan will come to an end that year. Vice President Joe Biden, during last week’s debate with VP candidate Paul Ryan, told tens of millions of Americans, [...]

Afghan Army’s High Turnover Clouds US Exit Plan

Afghan Army’s High Turnover Clouds US Exit Plan | One third of troops desert annually

NATO Airstrike Kills Three Afghan Children

A NATO airstrike killed three children in Afghanistan‘s Helmand province on Sunday, Afghan officials said Monday. “Two Taliban mine-planters were identified and targeted by ISAF from the air and killed,” district police chief Ahmad Shah Khan told AFP. ”Three children, two boys and a girl, who were nearby collecting firewood were also killed,” Khan added. The claim [...]

Afghan Negotiator Claims ‘Progress’ in Taliban Talks

Afghan Negotiator Claims ‘Progress’ in Taliban Talks | Despite no apparent progress, he insists on secret progress

Britain to Speed Afghan Pullout: Half of Troops to Leave in 2013

Britain to Speed Afghan Pullout: Half of Troops to Leave in 2013 | Further moves out of Afghanistan still under discussion

Officials: Four Civilians Among 14 Killed in NATO Airstrike in Afghanistan

Officials: Four Civilians Among 14 Killed in NATO Airstrike in Afghanistan | Children among victims of Ghazni attack

Britain Defense Chiefs Look to Speed Afghan Pullout

Britain Defense Chiefs Look to Speed Afghan Pullout | Chancellor calls for immediate withdrawal

In VP Debate, Candidates Agree on Afghan Withdrawal, Neither Admit War’s Failure

In the Vice Presidential debates on Thursday, both candidates agreed on a 2014 timeline to withdraw from Afghanistan, although they argued over details and Congressman Paul Ryan hinted at keeping US troops there for longer. “We agree with the administration on their 2014 transition,” said Paul Ryan, GOP nominee Mitt Romney’s running mate. Despite this [...]