Afghanistan

In the span of three days, at least four provincial capitals in Afghanistan fell to the Taliban, with the strategically significant city of Kunduz on the brink.

Dispelling these myths becomes especially important as the current conflict appears to be entering a critical new phase.

The assassination took place during weekly Friday prayers.

What lies ahead for Afghanistan as the United States withdraws and fighting between the Taliban and the government intensifies?

Focusing on trade networks, Afghanistan’s neighbors hope to forge regional stability in the wake of the U.S. withdrawal.

Meanwhile, Taliban forces close in on a district center in the north.

An hour after the blast in Shirpoor, Afghans in Kabul and elsewhere took to their rooftops to cry “Allahu Akbar” into the night in defiance of the Taliban.

Nine out of 10 districts in Helmand’s provincial capital were under Taliban control as of August 3. 

Subsequent flights are due to bring more of the roughly 700 applicants who are farthest along in the process of getting visas.

The reality in Afghanistan and the region provides a lot for peacemakers to work with -- if we can look past gloomy predictions.

In its latest quarterly report, SIGAR says the withdrawal complicates its mission, but does not diminish the necessity of oversight as U.S. funds continue to flow.

The strikes, which include several conducted last week, indicate stepped up U.S. support after weeks of battlefield gains by the Taliban as U.S. troops complete their withdrawal.