Afghanistan | Council on Foreign Relations

Global Conflict Tracker: War in Afghanistan

Afghan forces continue to face significant challenges in holding territory and defending population centers, while the Taliban continues to contest districts and carry out suicide attacks in major cities.

by Center for Preventive Action Aug 18, 2021

The U.S. War in Afghanistan

The Taliban surged back to power two decades after U.S.-led forces toppled their regime in what led to the United States’ longest war.

Timeline by Zachary Laub and Lindsay Maizland Sep 27, 2022

The Taliban in Afghanistan

The Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021, twenty years after their ouster by U.S. troops. Under their harsh rule, they have cracked down on women’s rights and neglected basic services.

Backgrounder by Lindsay Maizland Jan 19, 2023

Terrorism and Counterterrorism

A Longer, Lighter Afghan Presence

President Obama should have used his speech on the Afghanistan troop drawdown to confirm the long-term commitment of U.S. forces in the region, to signal an enduring, robust U.S. presence in troubled South Asia, says CFR’s Stephen Biddle.

Interview with Stephen Biddle and Bernard Gwertzman June 24, 2011
Afghanistan

Gauging the U.S. Commitment in Afghanistan

Did President Obama’s troop drawdown plan for Afghanistan undercut the campaign against the Taliban or was it too limited to meet U.S. goals? CFR President Richard N. Haass and Senior Fellow Max Boot offer differing takes on the new battlefield deployment.

Expert Roundup by Max Boot and Richard Haass June 23, 2011
Pakistan

The Targeted Killings Debate

U.S. drone strikes and "kill/capture" missions against al-Qaeda operatives, particularly in Pakistan and Yemen, have gained new attention and notoriety this spring. Four experts debate the legality and efficacy of the controversial counterterrorism strategy.

Expert Roundup by Jonathan Masters , Matthew C. Waxman , Pardiss Kebriaei, Kate Clark and Daniel L. Byman June 8, 2011 U.S. Foreign Policy Program

Afghanistan

Education Key to Building Afghan Security Forces’ Capacity

Lt. Gen. William B. Caldwell, head of NATO training efforts in Afghanistan, says 9 out of 10 Afghan security recruits are illiterate, and emphasizes the education role that has become a major component of NATO training. Caldwell expects NATO and U.S. forces to remain in Afghanistan well after 2014, when Afghan forces are planned to take on security leadership in the country.

Explainer Video with William B. IV Caldwell and Jonathan Karl June 7, 2011
Afghanistan

A Conversation with General William B. Caldwell IV

As the United States prepares to withdraw troops from Afghanistan, please join General Caldwell for a conversation on U.S. and NATO investment in the Afghan National Security Forces as well as the importance and challenges of the upcoming transition.

Event with William B. IV Caldwell and Jonathan Karl June 7, 2011
Afghanistan

A Conversation with General William B. Caldwell IV

As the United States prepares to withdraw troops from Afghanistan, General Caldwell discusses the U.S. and NATO investment in the Afghan National Security Forces, as well as the importance and challenges of the upcoming transition.

Event June 7, 2011

Defense and Security

Long Term Goals for Afghanistan and Their Near Term Implications

Stephen Biddle testifies before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on the long term vision needed to guide short term decisions in Afghanistan.

Testimony by Stephen Biddle May 10, 2011
Afghanistan

Bin Laden’s Death and U.S. Afghan Policy

While U.S. military efforts in Afghanistan won’t be directly affected, bin Laden’s death could result in an expedited draw-down schedule, leaving the country open to a Taliban takeover and leading to upheaval in Pakistan, says CFR’s Stephen Biddle.

Interview with Stephen Biddle and Bernard Gwertzman May 4, 2011
Afghanistan

U.S. Policy in Afghanistan After Bin Laden

Stephen Biddle, Senior Fellow for Defense Policy at the Council on Foreign Relations, discusses the implications of Osama bin Laden’s death for the United States’ role in Afghanistan.

Explainer Video with Stephen Biddle May 3, 2011
Afghanistan

Afghanistan: What is an Acceptable End-State, and How Do We Get There?

Prepared statement for the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations

Testimony by Richard Haass May 3, 2011
Afghanistan

What’s Next for al-Qaeda?

Osama bin Laden’s death is a real and symbolic blow to al-Qaeda, and its stature in the Middle East is already diminished by the pro-democracy movements in the region, but the group remains lethal. Seven CFR experts discuss.

Expert Roundup by Richard Haass , Ray Takeyh , Robert Danin, Steven A. Cook , Max Boot , Daniel S. Markey and John B. Bellinger III May 2, 2011 Asia Program
Afghanistan

Afghanistan: Mending It, Not Just Ending It

Please join the Right Honorable David Miliband for a discussion on the effectiveness of Western policies in Afghanistan, challenges and opportunities in the current military and political climate, and practical proposals for moving forward.

Event with David Miliband and Richard Haass April 29, 2011
Afghanistan

Afghanistan: Mending It, Not Just Ending It

David Miliband discusses the effectiveness of Western policies in Afghanistan, challenges and opportunities in the current military and political climate, and practical proposals for moving forward.

Event April 29, 2011
Iraq

U.S. Policy Toward Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iraq

12:00 to 1:00 p.m. (ET) *Email [email protected] to register.

Event with Dan Caldwell and Irina A. Faskianos April 21, 2011
Afghanistan

Restrepo: Documenting a Year in Afghanistan

Journalists Sebastian Junger and Tim Hetherington discuss their sojourn in the Korengal Valley of Afghanistan filming a platoon of U.S. soldiers for their documentary "Restrepo."

Explainer Video with Sebastian Junger, Tim Hetherington and Deborah Jerome April 14, 2011