Ashraf Ghani

Can Afghanistan successfully regulate its private militias?

Kabul recently signalled that it wants to keep a tight rein on the multitude of armed groups that run amok across much of the country — some backed by Afghanistan and the US — who want to impose their own version of local governance.

Three US soldiers killed in Afghanistan as Geneva conference on war starts

NATO says the soldiers were killed in an IED blast near the central city of Ghazni. Meanwhile, an international conference on Afghanistan is underway in the Swiss city to discuss how to end the 17-year war.

Afghans mourn as death toll in Kabul attack jumps to 55

Afghan authorities say they're struggling to identify group behind Tuesday's attack on clerics that killed dozens and wounded around 95 others. Taliban has denied responsibility and Daesh hasn't issued any statement yet.

Afghan minerals in the crosshairs of Blackwater's Erik Prince

The founder of the notorious, and now defunct, Blackwater, has been making headlines for trying to privatise the Afghan war. What has gone unreported are his plans as "Trump's advisor" to extract the country's immensely rich mineral wealth.

Amrullah Saleh: Afghanistan's next option?

As Afghanistan grapples with violence and instability, is Amrullah Saleh the man Afghanistan needs?

Fighting rages in strategic Afghan province ahead of Russia peace talks

Afghan forces deployed to beat back Taliban fighters in Ghazni province, heavily populated by minority Hazaras, raising fears of sectarian violence. The escalation comes as Afghan government and Taliban meet for first direct peace talks in Moscow.

Taliban officials say they will attend Moscow peace talks

Representatives from Iran, China, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan are expected to attend the talks in Russia, but the United States and the US-backed Afghan government declined their invitations.

Why democracy is failing in Afghanistan

The Afghan people risk their lives to vote in the country's elections. Unfortunately, their leaders and the international community have completely failed to honour their sacrifices.

Commander killed in Afghanistan embodies 17 years of failed US policy

US forces in Afghanistan have relied on local warlords to maintain peace, and time and again, this has proved to be a chaotic strategy. How long can this cycle continue?

Afghans set to vote amid Taliban threats and corruption

Almost nine million voters in Afghanistan are registered to cast their ballots in Saturday's parliamentary polls that are being conducted after a three-year delay.

No end in sight 17 years after US invasion of Afghanistan

The Americans militarily defeated the Taliban in quick time in 2001. But war is now in its seventeenth year and seen the resurgence of the Taliban, and the US nation-building project has failed miserably.

Political rows, worsening security greet Mattis in Afghanistan

Jim Mattis' visit to Afghanistan could add momentum to establish a truce with the Taliban after the US defense secretary said he was hopeful about peace talks with the militants.