Afghanistan, The Lingering War

Too Much Power in Karzai's Hands, Critics Say

March 7, 2008 • A growing number of Afghans are complaining that the government they've elected is corrupt and that it does a poor job of providing basic services, let alone law and order. They accuse the West of caring more about backing President Hamid Karzai, than addressing his government's problems.

Afghan Mission Has Two Goals: Security, Farming

March 6, 2008 • Much of the international focus in Afghanistan has been on fighting the insurgency. Efforts to improve life for civilians have lagged. Defense Secretary Robert Gates blames Kabul's ineffectiveness and a lack of coordination.

NATO's Role in Afghanistan Strains Alliance

March 5, 2008 • The prolonged deployment of NATO troops in Afghanistan has sparked debate in Europe about the alliance's ultimate mission. Some European lawmakers question the purpose of sending European forces to fight a war far from home.

Taliban's Shifting Tactics Define Afghanistan Conflict

March 4, 2008 • There are fewer battles, yet it's far bloodier in Afghanistan than at any time since 2001. Taliban insurgents have discovered that it's easier to paralyze the nation with bombs than to fight Western and Afghan troops.

Military Leaders See Mixed Results in Afghanistan

March 3, 2008 • Amid an increase in Taliban attacks, U.S. officials are growing worried about the future of Afghanistan and the NATO-led military mission there. But military leaders see some progress in the American-led counterinsurgency effort in eastern Afghanistan.

In Afghanistan, the War Against Insurgents Rages

March 2, 2008 • More than six years after U.S. troops and their Afghan allies ousted the Taliban, the Islamist militia is far from beaten. This five-part series explores the state, and future, of Afghanistan and the war against Tailban forces.