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Afghanistan War

The United States and NATO want to end their combat mission in Afghanistan next year, transitioning primarily to a training role in which Afghan security forces will take the lead, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said Wednesday.

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US to end Afghan combat mission in 2013updated: Thu Feb 02 2012 07:03:00

Barbara Starr reports the U.S. and NATO will end their combat mission next year and transition to a training role .

NATO: Man in Afghan army uniform kills service memberupdated: Wed Feb 01 2012 07:08:00

A man in an Afghan National Army uniform killed a NATO service member in southern Afghanistan, once again bringing a disturbing issue to center stage in the long Asian war -- attacks by local security forces against coalition troops.

Allies see day of heavy loss in Afghanistanupdated: Fri Jan 20 2012 10:12:00

Allied forces suffered a day of heavy losses in Afghanistan Friday after a helicopter crash killed six U.S. Marines and an attack killed four French soldiers, prompting Paris to consider an early troop withdrawal.

2 French soldiers killed in Afghanistan attackupdated: Thu Dec 29 2011 06:57:00

A soldier in the Afghan National Army uniform shot dead two French soldiers serving in eastern Afghanistan on Thursday, the French Defense Ministry said.

Exclusive: Taliban attack caught on tapeupdated: Fri Dec 09 2011 03:13:00

A Marine Corps cameraman gives us a rare glimpse of Marines fighting off at Taliban attack in Afghanistan.

NATO: 77 U.S. troops injured after Taliban hit Afghan coalition baseupdated: Sun Sep 11 2011 19:34:00

All 77 NATO service members wounded in a Saturday attack against a coalition base in Afghanistan are U.S. troops, a spokeswoman for the International Security Assistance Force said Sunday.

Deadly insurgent attack in Afghanistanupdated: Sun Sep 11 2011 19:34:00

At least two people died after Taliban militants struck a coalition base in Afghanistan on eve of the 9/11 anniversary.

Taliban targets coalition base on eve of 9/11 anniversaryupdated: Sat Sep 10 2011 17:40:00

As the 10th anniversary of al Qaeda's attack on the United States approaches, Taliban militants struck a coalition base in Afghanistan on Saturday, killing one person and wounding 10 others.

Afghanistan blames militant network for hotel siegeupdated: Thu Jun 30 2011 03:03:00

The Afghan government on Wednesday blamed an al Qaeda-linked militant group based in Pakistan for the siege on a Kabul hotel that left 12 victims and all nine attackers dead.

Reaction to president's Afghanistan troop planupdated: Thu Jun 23 2011 06:08:00

President Barack Obama announced Wednesday night that all the 33,000 additional U.S. forces he ordered to Afghanistan in December 2009 would be home within the next 15 months. After the departure of all the surge forces, the total U.S. military deployment in Afghanistan would be just under 70,000 troops.

The real question: How to achieve Afghanizationupdated: Wed Jun 22 2011 08:10:00

President Obama's expected decision to reduce our troop level in Afghanistan from 100,000 to 90,000 by the end of 2011, and to 70,000 by the end of 2012, seems reasonable.

Attacks by Afghan troops on NATO soldiers rising, but motives complexupdated: Wed Jun 15 2011 01:02:00

In late November, U.S. soldiers were supervising artillery training for Afghan troops in Nangarhar province, close to the Pakistan border.

Afghan forces' violence against NATO, Americans deemed "rare"updated: Fri Apr 29 2011 20:39:00

Violence like this week's shooting deaths of eight U.S. service members and an American contractor by an Afghan military pilot in Kabul stems from "isolated" incidents and is not part of any organized pattern of Afghan troops killing fellow service members in NATO's International Security Assistance Force, U.S. Army Lt. Gen. William Caldwell said Friday.

Lack of trainers puts U.S. Afghan exit strategy at risk, report saysupdated: Thu Jan 27 2011 19:39:00

A new report questions whether the centerpiece of the Obama administration's exit strategy for Afghanistan -- a training program for Afghan security forces -- can deliver as promised.

Levin: Obama considering upping the goal for Afghan troopsupdated: Tue Jan 25 2011 17:38:00

The president is considering a proposal to further boost the size of Afghanistan security forces as a way to speed up the withdrawal of U.S. troops, a senior Democratic lawmaker said Tuesday.

Did Biden commit the U.S. to a longer engagement in Afghanistan?updated: Wed Jan 12 2011 22:46:00

During the Obama administration's review of its Afghan policy, Vice President Joseph Biden was a fierce advocate for a narrowly focused counterterrorism strategy.

Afghanistan war reviewupdated: Sun Dec 19 2010 11:45:00

CNN's Candy Crowley discusses the gains and setbacks in the U.S. war in Afghanistan.

Analysis: Four more years of war in Afghanistanupdated: Fri Dec 17 2010 06:46:00

The much-touted July 2011 date for the beginning of a withdrawal of U.S. combat troops from Afghanistan, a center piece of the administration's "AfPak" strategy announced by President Obama in December 2009, now seems unlikely to amount to much.

Obama trumpets U.S. gains in Afghanistanupdated: Fri Dec 17 2010 03:30:00

President Barack Obama asserted Thursday that the United States is making significant progress in the nine-year war in Afghanistan, but warned that the conflict "continues to be a very difficult endeavor."

UK troops leaving Afghanistan?updated: Tue Dec 07 2010 07:17:00

Britain's prime minister says British troops could pull out of Afghanistan next year. CNN's Nic Robertson reports.

Gates visits troops in Afghanistanupdated: Tue Dec 07 2010 07:17:00

U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates made a surprise visit to Afghanistan Tuesday to meet with officials and deliver a pat on the back to American troops slugging it out with militants there for more than nine years.

Afghan progress being made despite tragic incidents, NATO leader saysupdated: Tue Nov 30 2010 13:12:00

Incidents similar to this week's fatal shooting of six U.S. troops should not overshadow the progress American forces have made in turning security over to the Afghans, NATO's supreme commander says.

U.S., NATO troops to stay in Afghanistan beyond 2014 handoverupdated: Fri Nov 19 2010 07:19:00

Even with serious questions about President Hamid Karzai's commitment to the military strategy in Afghanistan, NATO members plan to announce an enduring presence there beyond 2014, the new target date for handing off security control to the Afghans.

Newest Medal of Honor recipient to be inducted into Hall of Heroesupdated: Wed Nov 17 2010 12:21:00

One day after the president draped the nation's highest medal of valor around his neck, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Salvatore Giunta will receive another honor when he is inducted into the Hall of Heroes at the Pentagon on Wednesday.

Medal of Honor goes to first living recipient from Afghan warupdated: Tue Nov 16 2010 23:06:00

A 25-year-old U.S. Army staff sergeant from Iowa on Tuesday became the first living recipient of the Medal of Honor from the war in Afghanistan.

This year's U.S. death toll in Afghanistan the highestupdated: Wed Sep 01 2010 12:48:00

In only eight months, 2010 has become the deadliest year for U.S. troops in Afghanistan, according to a CNN count of Pentagon and NATO figures.

From one war zone to anotherupdated: Wed Sep 01 2010 12:48:00

CNN's Barbara Starr talks to soldiers about the end of U.S. combat operations in Iraq.

7 Special Forces soldiers to get Silver Star for Afghan valorupdated: Mon Aug 16 2010 07:52:00

It's been clear for months that the fighting in Afghanistan is more intense than it's been since the war there started nearly nine years ago. Yet, from the midst of those increasingly violent firefights come some amazing stories of heroism.

Taliban rejects U.N. report on Afghan casualtiesupdated: Thu Aug 12 2010 06:37:00

The Taliban on Thursday rejected a United Nations report that blamed it and other insurgent groups for 76 percent of all civilian casualties in Afghanistan.

Where have Afghanistan's warriors gone?updated: Fri Aug 06 2010 13:09:00

Afghanistan, known for its history of warriors, is now wondering where they went. CNN's Atia Abawi reports.

Afghanistan war 'lost cause,' says Pakistan's ex-intelligence chiefupdated: Fri Aug 06 2010 13:09:00

The U.S.-led war in Afghanistan is a "lost cause," said a former Pakistani intelligence chief, and the United States needs to negotiate peace with Taliban leader Mullah Omar. "You have to talk to him, and I'm sure it will work out very well," Lt. Gen. Hamid Gul told CNN's Fareed Zakaria in an interview to air Sunday.

Dutch troops leave southern Afghanistanupdated: Mon Aug 02 2010 12:16:00

More details about the Dutch withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan emerged on Monday.

Afghanistan war's grim milestoneupdated: Fri Jul 30 2010 16:31:00

Is President Obama's strategy working in Afghanistan? CNN's Ali Velshi talks to a Senate candidate about his thoughts.

Top issues: Afghanistan and Iraq warsupdated: Tue Jul 27 2010 20:04:00

Like shifting weight on a seesaw, the Pentagon moved the lion's share of U.S. war troops in Iraq to Afghanistan in 2010, to reflect the nation's changing war strategy. Just months after Obama promised to reduce U.S. forces in Iraq, he faced a much-debated decision last year on whether to increase troops in Afghanistan. Supporters of the buildup said the strategy would bring a swifter end to the war, by allowing the United States to more quickly hand over security responsibility to Afghan forces. Opponents complained that the government of Afghan President Hamid Karzai was corrupt and had proven to be an unreliable partner.

Petraeus grilled over 2011 withdrawalupdated: Tue Jul 27 2010 20:04:00

Gen. David Petraeus faces tough questions from senators about President Obama's scheduled withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Internal military documents reveal infighting among Afghan forcesupdated: Tue Jul 27 2010 15:38:00

Internal military documents published by WikiLeaks.org reveal conflict among Afghan security forces, including attacks on one another, as well as heavy drug use among soldiers.

U.S. intelligence blasted in reportupdated: Tue Jul 20 2010 12:09:00

CNN's Barbara Starr reports on an investigation into the U.S. intelligence community.

Audio purportedly from al Qaeda No. 2 says victory comingupdated: Tue Jul 20 2010 12:09:00

A man identified as Ayman al-Zawahiri, al Qaeda's No. 2 man, promises his followers victory in Afghanistan and Iraq, vowing that these wars will eventually lead to a battle to liberate Jerusalem, in an audio message posted Monday on jihadist websites.

Defense Ministry: Afghan soldier fired on British troops, killing 3updated: Tue Jul 13 2010 09:58:00

Investigators are searching for an Afghan National Army soldier who shot a rocket at British soldiers in Helmand province, killing three and injuring four others early Tuesday morning, an Afghan Defense Ministry spokesman said.

Steele: Afghan war is of Obama's choosingupdated: Mon Jul 05 2010 14:35:00

CNN's Suzanne Malveaux discusses Michael Steele's recent comments about the war in Afghanistan with CNN contributors.

More than 1,000 U.S. troops killed in Afghanistanupdated: Tue Jun 08 2010 19:33:00

More than 1,000 American troops have now been killed in Afghanistan, according to CNN calculations.

Troops capture Taliban 'governor' after killing ex-govupdated: Wed Jun 02 2010 08:20:00

Troops in Afghanistan have captured a Taliban shadow governor not long after killing his predecessor, the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force said Wednesday.

U.S. military: Airstrike kills senior Taliban leaderupdated: Mon May 31 2010 22:12:00

A precision airstrike has killed one of the two most senior Taliban leaders in Kandahar province and several of his fighters, the U.S. military said Monday.

The challenge of reporting from Kandaharupdated: Sat May 29 2010 11:01:00

CNN's Paula Hancocks and Michael Holmes discuss what it's like to report from Kandahar, Afghanistan.

Red Cross defends helping Taliban treat casualtiesupdated: Thu May 27 2010 02:50:00

The International Committee of the Red Cross is defending its practice of providing medical training and basic medical supplies to the Taliban in Afghanistan -- saying it is in line with the ICRC's mandate not to discriminate between different sides in a conflict.

Insurgents attack Bagram Air Baseupdated: Wed May 19 2010 10:08:00

The Taliban launch a bold attack on a critical air base in Afghanistan. CNN's Atia Abawi reports.

Nearly a dozen militants dead after Bagram attackupdated: Wed May 19 2010 10:08:00

Nearly a dozen insurgents and a U.S. contractor were killed when a group launched an early morning attack on Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan on Wednesday, officials said.

Insurgents take aim at Bagram Air Base; Army says 7 attackers killedupdated: Wed May 19 2010 02:34:00

Seven insurgents were killed when a group of more than a dozen men launched an early morning attack on Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan on Wednesday, officials said.

Five Americans among 18 killed in Afghan suicide attackupdated: Tue May 18 2010 15:56:00

A suicide bomb in Afghanistan's capital killed at least a dozen civilians, five U.S. troops and a Canadian service member on Tuesday, officials said -- a bloody strike claimed by the Taliban and deplored by the coalition.

Obama reaffirms commitment to Afghan warupdated: Fri May 14 2010 18:07:00

Pres. Obama welcomed Afghan Pres. Hamid Karzai to the White House, saying, "Our strategy has to succeed on both sides."

Clinton, Karzai say Afghan leader's U.S. visit a successupdated: Fri May 14 2010 11:32:00

Afghan President Hamid Karzai and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton declared the Afghan leader's visit to the United States this week a success, saying on Thursday that it had helped strengthen the partnership between Washington and Kabul at a critical point in the war against Taliban and al Qaeda extremists.

Putting tensions aside, Clinton opens key talks with Karzaiupdated: Wed May 12 2010 01:47:00

Brushing recent public spats aside, the Obama administration welcomed Hamid Karzai to Washington on Tuesday, opening a round of partnership talks with the Afghan president.

'Better alignment' from Karzai visit?updated: Wed May 12 2010 01:47:00

The administration details its strategy for dealing with Afghanistan in anticipation of Pres. Karzai's U.S. visit.

Pakistan is 'epicenter of Islamic terrorism'updated: Wed May 05 2010 16:50:00

The suspect in the Times Square bombing attempt was caught as he was seeking to flee to Pakistan, a nation that analyst Fareed Zakaria calls the "epicenter of Islamic terrorism."

House panel looks at progress in Afghanistan, troop strengthupdated: Wed May 05 2010 14:06:00

The House Armed Services Committee on Wednesday took stock of the Obama administration's new counterinsurgency strategy in Afghanistan, and examined whether more troops could be deployed if conditions warrant.

Kandahar Press Club a reporter refugeupdated: Wed Apr 28 2010 22:46:00

Kandahar's newest gathering place offers reporters a refuge from their dangerous jobs. CNN's Michael Holmes reports.

Report: Encouraging trends in Afghanistan despite rise in violenceupdated: Wed Apr 28 2010 22:46:00

Violence in Afghanistan is up nearly 90 percent from this time last year, according to a new Pentagon report submitted to Congress Wednesday.

Deputy mayor of Kandahar assassinatedupdated: Mon Apr 19 2010 20:06:00

The deputy mayor of Kandahar, Afghanistan, was assassinated Monday as he took part in evening prayers, according to a local government spokesman.

Afghan soldier fires on NATO troops, wounds 1updated: Sun Apr 11 2010 07:30:00

An Afghan soldier fled after he opened fire on NATO troops, wounding one, military officials said Sunday.

U.S. should grow up and work with Karzaiupdated: Fri Apr 09 2010 10:07:00

The Obama administration is making a mistake by sending Afghan President Hamid Karzai the forceful and repeated message that it's not happy with his regime, says analyst Fareed Zakaria.

'We run this country,' Karzai says of Afghan peopleupdated: Mon Apr 05 2010 17:47:00

Plans to drive the Taliban from Afghanistan's second-largest city and surrounding districts will start only when the plans have the support of the population, Afghan President Hamid Karzai said Monday.

Karzai: Afghans own Afghanistanupdated: Mon Apr 05 2010 17:47:00

CNN's Atia Abawi reports on Afghan President Hamid Karzai's balancing act as he meets with Afghan tribal leaders.

Karzai seeks tribal support for military operationupdated: Sun Apr 04 2010 15:12:00

Afghan President Hamid Karzai met with tribal leaders Sunday in the violence-plagued Kandahar province to shore up support for an impending military offensive. He promised to hold back until he had their backing.

Afghan soldiers killed in friendly fireupdated: Sat Apr 03 2010 13:16:00

German forces with the NATO-led command killed at least five Afghan soldiers in northern Afghanistan in a friendly fire incident, the German military said Saturday.

U.S. official says intel suggests Iran plans to ship arms to Talibanupdated: Fri Apr 02 2010 18:08:00

New U.S. military intelligence suggests Iran plans to smuggle new shipments of weapons into Afghanistan in the coming weeks as part of an increased effort to interfere with coalition operations, a senior U.S. Defense Department official said Friday.

Military sets sights on June push in Kandahar, officials sayupdated: Fri Apr 02 2010 02:02:00

U.S. and coalition forces in Afghanistan have their sights set on a June offensive designed to gain control of the southern city of Kandahar from the Taliban, according to U.S. military officials.

Obama: Keep them on the runupdated: Mon Mar 29 2010 11:34:00

Pres. Obama talks to U.S. troops in Afghanistan about their mission, telling them they have the Taliban on the run.

Afghan-Iranian mountain trails reveal hidden weapons smuggling routeupdated: Tue Mar 23 2010 14:12:00

At the Eslam Ghalah crossing on the Afghan-Iranian border, millions of dollars have been spent by the international community to try to ensure that all goods and human traffic entering and leaving Afghanistan can be controlled and accounted for.

U.S. to end 96-hour rule for Afghan detaineesupdated: Wed Mar 17 2010 01:49:00

A controversial policy that gives U.S. forces in Afghanistan four days to question detainees is being changed to give soldiers more time to interrogate the captives, Gen. David Petraeus said Tuesday.

35 killed in Kandahar blastsupdated: Mon Mar 15 2010 09:25:00

Officials say at least 35 people were killed in a series of blasts in Afghanistan's Kandahar province. CNN's Phil Black reports.

Taliban Web site claims Afghan blasts were 'message' to U.S. generalupdated: Mon Mar 15 2010 09:25:00

A series of deadly blasts in southern Afghanistan's volatile Kandahar province on Saturday was a message to the top U.S. general in Afghanistan, according to a posting Sunday on a Taliban Web site.

Deadly blasts rock southern Afghanistanupdated: Sat Mar 13 2010 14:18:00

A series of explosions rocked southern Afghanistan's volatile Kandahar province on Saturday, killing at least 35 people and wounding 47 others, local officials said.

Gates: Early pullout reliant on 'conditions' in Afghanistanupdated: Wed Mar 10 2010 07:58:00

After surveying training camps in eastern Afghanistan, Defense Secretary Robert Gates hinted Wednesday that U.S. troops could be leaving earlier than the announced July 2011 troop withdrawal date.

McChrystal eyes securing Kandaharupdated: Mon Mar 08 2010 22:48:00

The top U.S. general in Afghanistan vowed that coalition forces "are absolutely going to secure Kandahar," as security efforts expand in the country's south.

Official: Top Taliban leader arrested in Pakistanupdated: Mon Mar 08 2010 01:19:00

A top Taliban leader has been arrested in the southern Pakistani port city of Karachi, a senior Pakistani military official told CNN.

What Marjah wantsupdated: Sun Mar 07 2010 12:10:00

CNN's Ben Wedeman reports on what Marjah residents expect and want from the Afghan government.

Afghan leader Karzai is playing gamesupdated: Mon Mar 01 2010 15:47:00

Coalition forces have scored gains on the Afghan battlefield. Taliban leaders are on the run in neighboring Pakistan. But there's no sign of political progress in Afghanistan, says analyst Fareed Zakaria.

Attack on heart of Kabulupdated: Mon Mar 01 2010 15:47:00

CNN's Ben Wedeman reports on a devastating attack on the heart of the Afghan capital.

Afghan flag raised over war-torn Taliban strongholdupdated: Fri Feb 26 2010 12:15:00

Authorities raised the Afghan flag over the battle-scarred enclave of Marjah on Thursday, a ceremony symbolizing the presence of the Afghan government in the Taliban stronghold.

Afghan flag raised in Marjahupdated: Fri Feb 26 2010 12:15:00

Symbolizing the Afghan government, the national flag is raised in a ceremony in Marjah. CNN's Atia Abawi reports.

'True night dreams' guide Taliban leadersupdated: Wed Feb 24 2010 12:45:00

In practical terms, it might seem that the recent arrests of key Taliban members and the success of the U.S. offensive in southern Afghanistan might indicate a new phase in the war against the Taliban.

Hunting the Talibanupdated: Wed Feb 24 2010 11:53:00

CNN's Atia Abawi has this look at the fighting in Marjah, Afghanistan.

McChrystal apologizes as airstrike kills dozens in Afghanistanupdated: Mon Feb 22 2010 13:39:00

The head of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, General Stanley McChrystal, expressed regret Monday after more than two dozen civilians were killed in a NATO airstrike.

Civilians killed in airstrikeupdated: Mon Feb 22 2010 13:39:00

CNN's Ben Wedeman reports on what coalition forces are doing to minimize civilian casualties in Afghanistan.

'Taliban not giving up'updated: Fri Feb 19 2010 19:00:00

CNN's Atia Abawi describes the scene in Afghanistan as U.S. Marines exchanged gunfire with the Taliban.

Taliban expert: Afghan offensive likely first of manyupdated: Fri Feb 19 2010 19:00:00

As U.S., British, and Afghan troops move deeper into insurgent-infested areas of southern Afghanistan, one of the world's leading authorities on the Taliban said Thursday the offensive is likely to be the first of many coalition attacks this year and next.

Analysis: Taliban governs Afghanistan from the shadowsupdated: Fri Feb 19 2010 18:56:00

The news that two Taliban "shadow governors" have been detained in Pakistan underscores the reality that in Afghanistan there are, in effect, two governments.

Taliban willing to talkupdated: Fri Feb 19 2010 18:56:00

The foremost expert on the Taliban tells Christiane Amanpour that many organizations are talking with the Taliban.

Second Taliban leader capturedupdated: Thu Feb 18 2010 16:53:00

A joint U.S.-Pakistani operation has captured another Taliban leader. David Gergen joins to discuss.

Another Taliban leader capturedupdated: Thu Feb 18 2010 16:53:00

Another Taliban leader has been seized in neighboring Pakistan by security forces, sources said.

Another Taliban leader captured in Pakistanupdated: Thu Feb 18 2010 15:09:00

At least one Afghan Taliban leader has been seized in neighboring Pakistan by security forces, sources told CNN Thursday.

Day 5 in Marjahupdated: Thu Feb 18 2010 09:31:00

On day five of the Afghan offensive, coalition forces say they're gaining ground but aren't celebrating yet. CNN's Atia Abawi reports.

U.N. envoy: Reconciliatory efforts needed in Afghanistanupdated: Thu Feb 18 2010 09:31:00

The Taliban should halt attacks on schools and clinics to demonstrate support for the reconciliation effort in Afghanistan, the United Nations' top envoy in Kabul said Wednesday.

Taliban commander capturedupdated: Tue Feb 16 2010 14:37:00

CNN's Anderson Cooper and his panel look into the recent capture of a top Taliban commander.

Why Taliban capture could be hugeupdated: Tue Feb 16 2010 14:26:00

The capture of the Afghan Taliban's operational commander, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, in the Pakistani city of Karachi is a signature success for the United States' effort in Afghanistan and Pakistan, but it does not indicate that the insurgent movement will collapse.

NATO troops clearing out Taliban stronghold, officials sayupdated: Mon Feb 15 2010 14:39:00

The NATO operation aimed at tackling a Taliban stronghold in southern Afghanistan is making progress, officials say.

Civilians die in second day of Afghan offensiveupdated: Sun Feb 14 2010 22:47:00

Twelve Afghan civilians were killed Sunday when two rockets fired by coalition forces in southern Afghanistan missed their intended target, as the Taliban showed stiff resistance to the NATO assault against the militant group.

Afghanistan offensive prepsupdated: Sun Feb 14 2010 03:31:00

Nighttime footage shows preparations for Operation Moshtarak.

Afghanistan operation underwayupdated: Fri Feb 12 2010 23:51:00

CNN's Barbara Starr reports a military operation is underway in Afghanistan.

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