Afghanistan
Why is the Taliban Murdering Journalists—Even as it's Trying to Rebrand?
The Taliban have been on a relentless and sleek campaign to cast themselves as legitimate political players and peace partners in Afghanistan.
Iran Presses U.S. to Exit Iraq and Afghanistan, Maneuvers to Influence Both
President-Elect Joe Biden will inherit a long-awaited drawdown in both countries, with American rivals waiting in the wings to fill the power vacuum.
The International Criminal Court Needs To Investigate Venezuela
Whether the ICC decides to investigate Venezuela could determine its future.
Could Trump's Afghanistan Troop Withdrawal Trigger a Government Shutdown?
Sen. Rand Paul objects to part of the defense bill he says will make it harder for the president to reduce U.S. troops from the Middle East.
Rand Paul Is Blocking Passage of Defense Funding Bill, GOP Senator Says
Wyoming Republican Congresswoman Liz Cheney said Thursday that Kentucky Senator Rand Paul's opposition to the bill was "inexcusable."
NATO Accuses Taliban of Undermining Afghanistan Peace Process with Attacks
The alliance condemned violence "especially driven by Taliban attacks" as risking the talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban.
Why is the NDAA Trying to Keep Us in Afghanistan?
The very same members of Congress who aren't comfortable with voting to send Americans in uniform into harm's way seem more than willing to vote to keep them there.
Crucial Months Ahead for Afghanistan
The road to Afghan peace is ensuring that moderate political leaders in Afghanistan, the ones that have social capital with their constituencies in various parts of Afghanistan, are empowered in the peace process.
Former Nat. Security Adviser Condemns Withdrawing Troops From Afghanistan
H.R. McMaster warned about potential threats to U.S. security that could arise after reducing military presence in Afghanistan early next year.
Pompeo Meets Taliban as ISIS Rockets Hit Kabul
Dozens were injured in the attack on a residential area in Kabul which has been claimed by a local Islamic State group.
Potential Biden Sec. of State Called for Troops to Stay in Afghan., Syria
The Delaware senator said he was "gravely concerned" about an "abrupt" withdrawal from the countries at a think tank event in 2019.
Trump's Afghanistan Withdrawal Isn't Rushed, It's Long Overdue
Delaying a final U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan will only increase the cost to Americans in uniform.
Taliban Says Trump Afghanistan Troop Drawdown 'Practical Step' Toward Peace
A spokesperson for the Taliban's political office in Qatar told Newsweek the move would be "a practical step towards ending Afghanistan's nearly 20-year war and toward the country's independence."
Will Trump Tie Biden's Hands with Troop Withdrawals from Afghanistan, Iraq?
"It is absolutely the right thing to do and is grounded on clear fundamental military realities, and is going to help the country," Daniel L. Davis, a retired Army lieutenant colonel and military expert, told Newsweek
McConnell Blasts Trump's Reported Troop Withdrawal from Afghanistan
A withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan "would be broadcast around the world as a symbol of U.S. defeat and humiliation and of victory for Islamic extremism," Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said on Monday.
Acting Defense Secretary Furthers Trump's Plan to End All Wars
Newly appointed by President Trump, Christopher Miller wrote in a memo: "Now it's time to come home."
GOP-Led Senate Panel Proposes Adding $69B to Pentagon's 'Overseas War Fund'
GOP senators added $69 billion for "overseas operations" as part of their $696 billion Pentagon spending bill for 2021.
What Afghanistan Wants from the Winner of the US Election
"We understand the fatigue in America, but withdrawal must be measured and strategic in order to preserve the gains that Americans and Afghans have sacrificed so much for," Afghan ambassador Roya Rahmani told Newsweek.
Taliban Threatens Renewed Fighting in Afghanistan, Blaming U.S.
The U.S. and Taliban signed a peace deal in February that has already seen thousands of American soldiers return home, but a full inter-Afghan agreement remains elusive.
Fact Check: Did the KKK and Taliban Endorse Donald Trump?
Many Trump critics on social media have said that the president is supported by the two violent extremist groups.
Taliban Endorses Trump, Hopes for US Troop Withdrawal from Afghanistan
On Thursday Trump surprised many by saying troops should be out by Christmas, a plan military officials described as "ridiculous."
Taliban Hails Trump's Promise to Bring U.S. Troops 'Home by Christmas'
The Doha agreement struck in February between the Taliban and the U.S. was intended to allow the drawdown of foreign forces by May 2021.
Widow Sues VA Over Nurse Alleging She Stole Stepchildren's Inheritance
According to court documents, a VA nurse allegedly used private information to harass the wife of late retired soldier Christian H. McCoy.
Pompeo Says U.S. Set for Full Troop Withdrawal From Afghanistan by Spring
United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the military is on track to completely withdraw all troops from Afghanistan by spring 2021.
Nineteen Years After 9/11, Afghanistan Faces a New Foe: The Islamic State
The Taliban and the Islamic State remain adversaries, but for the United States to rely so heavily on the Taliban as a cornerstone of its counterterrorism strategy seems a risky proposition.
Afghanistan Estimates COVID Cases More Than Double U.S. Confirmed Infection
Results of a new national survey, which collected antibody tests from thousands of people across Afghanistan, suggested as many as 10 million could have contracted COVID-19 at some point during the outbreak.
ISIS Jailbreak in Afghanistan Prompts Mass Manhunt For Escaped Prisoners
The group's Afghan affiliate claimed responsibility for the attack on a prison in Jalalabad and said it had freed hundreds of inmates.
Russia Official Blames U.S. For Taliban, Rejects Reports of Moscow Support
The Russian government has been accused of offering Taliban fighters bounties for U.S. troops killed in Afghanistan.
Pompeo Never Complained About Russian Weapon Sales to Taliban, Moscow Says
Pompeo said Wednesday that Russia had been supplying weapons to the Taliban for 10 years, putting American lives in danger.
Russian Money for Taliban to Fight U.S. Part of Plan to Get Afghan Foothold
One Pentagon official described Russia's behind-the-scenes Taliban ties as an "influence operation against U.S. interests," another called it "a covert support program with layers."