Afghanistan warlords

Warlords are a volatile group and with uncertainty looming in Afghanistan, these strongmen may look to protect their own interests first.

The government has launched an assault in central Maidan Wardak province, vowing to punish the warlord, Abdul Ghani Alipoor, after the defense minister accused his fighters of shooting down a military helicopter.

In Afghanistan's case, devolving power to local institutions will only encourage further jihadism designed to wring concessions from the state.

Afghanistan’s election was a battle between traditional strongmen and young optimists.

Vice President Dostum’s return to Afghanistan underlines the complexity of the battle for political influence.

In order to succeed, Ghani’s crackdown on warlords must proceed transparently and cut a wide path across Afghanistan.

At a critical moment for peace talks with the Taliban, warlords and strongmen pose a challenge to the central government.

Further delay in delivering justice for civilians killed in U.S. airstrikes plays into the hands of the Taliban.

Ordinary Afghans are growing ever more pessimistic about the National Unity Government.

In sidelining justice for peace, Afghanistan has wound up enjoying neither.

Local militias may be allied with the state now, but historically they have posed dangers to the central government.