Military operations of the War in Afghanistan Commentary

The Folly of Nation Building

Jerry Mark Silverman | Oct 05, 2009
The United States doesn’t really know how to build nations anywhere, even when security conditions are relatively good. How can we expect to succeed in Afghanistan?

Afghanization

Gilles Dorronsoro | Sep 23, 2009
More troops won’t fix Afghanistan. Our best bet is to create Afghan partners who can fight terrorists on their own.

Losing Friends

Jacob Heilbrunn | Sep 08, 2009
America is close to losing some of its key allies. A rift has formed with Germany over Afghanistan, and Europe is searching for an exit strategy. Will Obama do the same?

A Meaningless Election

Anatol Lieven | Sep 03, 2009
The winner of the Afghan presidential elections won't matter. To stabilize the country, we should instead talk to the most important political force in Pashtun areas—the Taliban.

Blank Checks

Doug Bandow | Jul 20, 2009
Europe will never have its own military capabilities unless America stops subsidizing its defense.

Afghan Pragmatism

Nikolas K. Gvosdev | Mar 31, 2009
Obama’s Afghan strategy is smart and realistic. But he needs to convince the American people it will work.

Out of Area, Out of Business?

Stewart Patrick | Mar 25, 2009
NATO’s continued relevance depends on its ability to function in Afghanistan. So far, the alliance hasn’t delivered.

Going South in Afghanistan

Gilles Dorronsoro | Feb 09, 2009
Obama’s plan for Afghanistan is the right idea, but directed at the wrong place. Instead of sending troops to Taliban strongholds, we should bulk up Kabul’s defenses.

NATO's Drug Problem

Fabrice Pothier | Oct 15, 2008
NATO's new war on drugs in Afghanistan will put troops in greater danger for a venture that may not even work. It just might be the straw that breaks the alliance's back.

Going South? NATO Still Split on Afghanistan

Thomas Barfield | Nov 29, 2006
The willingness of some NATO countries to put their own troops in the line of fire and take the political heat can probably survive Taliban attacks—but not the perception that they are being played by more cynical allies. 

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May 26, 2012