Why We Lost in Afghanistan Why We Lost in Afghanistan
The United States embarked on creating a new Afghanistan founded on values cherished by most Americans—women’s rights, for example—but not necessarily by most Afghans.
Aug 23, 2021 / Andrew J. Bacevich
In Afghanistan, We Have Never Tasted True Independence In Afghanistan, We Have Never Tasted True Independence
In past years, Afghans wondered if Independence Day would be disturbed by yet another bombing. This year we wonder if we can even celebrate the holiday.
Aug 19, 2021 / Ali M. Latifi
There Goes the Neighborhood: Pakistan Is Uneasy Over the Taliban’s Return There Goes the Neighborhood: Pakistan Is Uneasy Over the Taliban’s Return
Despite their differing responses to the Taliban victory, Pakistanis are united in believing they are not to blame.
Washington’s War in Afghanistan Is Over. What Happens Now? Washington’s War in Afghanistan Is Over. What Happens Now?
President Biden was right to withdraw US troops. But we should have no illusion that this will end the war for Afghans.
Aug 16, 2021 / Phyllis Bennis
The Story of an Afghan Girl The Story of an Afghan Girl
Unlike Joe Biden, Mursal wasn’t surprised at how fast Kabul fell. She knows firsthand how effectively the Taliban has been terrorizing Afghans into silence and complicity.
Aug 16, 2021 / Column / Helen Benedict
Kabul Has Fallen. Now What? Kabul Has Fallen. Now What?
With the collapse of the US-backed government, Washington must chart a new course—but it won’t be easy.
Aug 16, 2021 / Editorial / Rajan Menon
The US Finds Itself on the Wrong Side of Imran Khan’s Populism The US Finds Itself on the Wrong Side of Imran Khan’s Populism
Widely blamed for mismanaging the economy—and hemorrhaging support since he was elected amid accusations of vote rigging in 2018—Khan seems to believe that running against the US i...
Jul 5, 2021 / Hasan Ali
Afghans Imagine a Future of Lasting Peace Afghans Imagine a Future of Lasting Peace
The US-Taliban peace agreement has seeded hope for Afghans living in a Kabul-based internally displaced peoples camp.
Mar 11, 2020 / Mohammed Harun Arsalai and Mohsin Khan Momand
The US-Taliban Deal Changes Little on the Ground The US-Taliban Deal Changes Little on the Ground
The US cannot guarantee peace in Afghanistan, but that should not determine whether the US ends its war.
Mar 6, 2020 / Adam Wunische
Our Forever Wars in 6 Questions Our Forever Wars in 6 Questions
After 18-plus years of seemingly endless conflict, our government owes us answers.
Feb 14, 2020 / Tom Engelhardt