The latest moves in the Afghanistan endgame have moved the insurgents closer to talking with the Kabul government — but there is no real breakthrough yet
Afghanistan
Why Afghan Ghosts Haunt France’s Mali Intervention
Comparisons with Afghanistan are inevitable when any Western country sends its military to war in a Muslim country where al-Qaeda has set up shop — and the comparison may be a particularly uncomfortable one for France’s …
The Obama-Karzai Meeting: But Who Really Gets to Decide Afghanistan’s Future?
The end-game in the war torn country is complex–and troop levels may be the simplest piece of the puzzle
Look the Other Way, Please: What Are Those Secret Talks in Paris All About?
Hush-hush talks staged near Paris by independent organizers bring leaders of enemy sides in the Afghan war together for informal talks. Will this lead to official peace negotiations?
What Should the Middle East Expect from Obama’s Second Term?
“This is my last election,” President Barack Obama told then Russian President Dmitry Medvedev in comments picked up by a mike in Seoul last March. “After my election, I have more flexibility.”
Muslim Pilgrims Converge on Mecca
Friday marks Eid-al-Adha, the close of the four-day annual pilgrimage, or hajj, to Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
Romney Foreign Policy Speech: ‘Time to Change Course in the Middle East’
There are substantial differences between the president and his challenger on foreign policy, even if they’re neither as stark, nor as numerous, as the Romney camp would have voters believe.
Must-Reads from Around the World
On deck for Monday: The World Bank lowers its GDP outlook for East Asia, the U.N. urges countries to plan for aging populations, and what now for Venezuela?
Can the U.S. Leave Behind “Afghan-Sustainable” Military Bases?
As one outpost is prepared for a handover, a report raises the risks attendant upon the departure of American forces
Must-Reads from Around the World
On deck for Thursday: Two Coptic Christian boys accused of profaning Koran in Egypt, Argentine police take the streets to protest against pay cuts, France plans to make the wealthy pay more taxes, Turkey retaliates against Syrian …
Is the U.S. Admitting Defeat in Afghanistan?
The law of diminishing returns — and rising costs — appears likely to bring Western troops home from Afghanistan even as the Taliban insurgency rages
A Dangerous Day in the Life of an Afghan District Governor
Saleem Khan Rody runs one of the most strategic spots in Afghanistan. He’s doing a good job—and the Taliban are out to stop him.
Afghanistan’s Insider War Against the U.S.: A Matter of No Trust
In order to protect themselves, Americans must now watch the Afghan soldiers they are training to take over the security of the country