Jan 31 Afghan forces still shrinking, security gaps growing, report says By Robert Burns, Associated Press As the Trump administration pushes for peace in Afghanistan, a new U.S. watchdog report says Afghan security forces are shrinking, gaps in security are growing, and the Taliban are largely holding their own despite a surge in American bombing. Continue reading
Jan 30 Taliban say they are not looking for ‘monopoly on power’ in Afghanistan By Kathy Gannon, Associated Press The statement Wednesday by Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen appears aimed at easing fears among those worried about any agreement that includes the Taliban. Its unusually conciliatory tone also could offer U.S. envoy Zalmay Khalilzad greater leverage as he seeks to… Continue reading
Jan 28 Watch 10:35 U.S. and Taliban peace talks make progress toward ending war in Afghanistan The draft framework of an Afghan peace deal: If the Taliban agree to a cease-fire, working directly with the Afghan government and preventing terror groups from using Afghanistan as a base for planning attacks, U.S. forces will withdraw. John Yang… Continue watching
Jan 28 ‘Significant progress’ made toward Afghanistan peace deal, U.S. envoy says By Rahim Faiez, Associated Press American and Taliban officials have reportedly agreed to the framework of a peace deal with the insurgents. Continue reading
Jan 22 Taliban attack kills dozens at Afghan military base By Amir Shah, Rahim Faiez, Associated Press A suicide bomber drove an armored Humvee packed with explosives at the base in eastern Maidan Wardak province on Monday, a severe blow to the government that already has lost control of nearly half of the country to the insurgents. Continue reading
Dec 24 Dozens killed in attack on Kabul government building By Amir Shah, Associated Press A suicide bomber and extremists armed with assault rifles and explosives attacked a government building in the Afghan capital in an eight-hour-long siege that left 29 people dead and more than 20 wounded, authorities said. It ended when the three… Continue reading
Dec 21 Large U.S. troop pullout planned in Afghanistan, officials say By Lolita C. Baldor, Associated Press The Pentagon is developing plans to withdraw up to half of the 14,000 American troops serving in Afghanistan, U.S. officials said Thursday, marking a sharp change in the Trump administration's policy aimed at forcing the Taliban to the peace table… Continue reading
Nov 28 Watch 8:50 Despite intensifying violence in Afghanistan, U.S. is ‘in a hurry’ for peace Over the past few months, violence has intensified in Afghanistan, but so have efforts to reach a negotiated peace agreement with the Taliban. Nick Schifrin asks Zalmay Khalilzad, U.S. special representative for Afghanistan reconciliation, whether he faces an imminent deadline,… Continue watching
Nov 05 Watch 4:39 News Wrap: New wave of U.S. sanctions hit Iran In our news wrap Monday, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani sounded defiant in the face of new sanctions from the U.S., targeting everything from oil exports to shipping to finance. Also, Taliban fighters killed at least 17 Afghan soldiers and police… Continue watching
Oct 23 At least 50 Afghans died in election day violence. Will future votes be safer? By Larisa Epatko Despite a shroud of violence and voting delays, more than 4 million Afghans cast their ballots in parliamentary elections last weekend, according to the country’s election commission. Continue reading