Politics of Afghanistan

A man stands in front of a brick building in rural setting

US spending in Afghanistan fueled rampant corruption, reports say

Conflict

Corruption played a toxic and central role in hampering the United States’ efforts in Afghanistan from day one. Sarah Peck, a lawyer and former diplomat who served as the anti-corruption officer at the US embassy in Kabul from 2009 to 2010, tells The World’s Marco Werman what she observed.

a taliban being carried on people's shoulders while others take photos

Taliban pursues image makeover as Afghan peace talks gain momentum

Nargis Azizshahy is the owner of ICafe in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Some Afghans seek peace with the Taliban, but fear the return of ‘male-dominant society’

Conflict & Justice
Afghanistan's new President Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai speaks during his inauguration as president in Kabul on September 29, 2014.

Afghanistan’s new president looks to break from recent history

Global Politics
The World

The changing role for women in Afghanistan

Global Politics
An Afghan security soldier holds his rifle on his shoulder near the Independent Election Commission headquarters, which was atttacked by Taliban insurgents, in Kabul March 29, 2014.

Ever wonder what Afghans think of the US releasing five Taliban leaders for Bowe Bergdahl?

Global Politics

Afghans face the possible consequences of the US release of five Taliban prisoners from Guantanamo Bay. The move could strengthen the Taliban in their country, just as US forces are drawing down. Which has some Afghans wondering, “What was the US government thinking?!”Afghans face the possible consequences of the US release of five Taliban prisoners from Guantanamo Bay. The move could strengthen the Taliban in their country, just as US forces are drawing down. Which has some Afghans wondering, “What was the US government thinking?!”

Women attend an election campaign by Afghan presidential candidate Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai in Jozjan province on June 2, 2014. The second round of Afghanistan's presidential election will take place on June 14.

Why did the negotiations to free Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl take years?

Secret talks between the US and the Taliban started about three years ago and at first, the aim was to create an opportunity for a peace process to bring an end to the conflict in Afghanistan. When the talks went off track, they focused more narrowly on a straightforward prisoner swap. Secret talks between the US and the Taliban started about three years ago and at first, the aim was to create an opportunity for a peace process to bring an end to the conflict in Afghanistan. When the talks went off track, they focused more narrowly on a straightforward prisoner swap.

Bergdahl family

The US released senior Taliban officials in exchange for Sergeant Bergdahl

Conflict & Justice

Some fear the prisoner exchange over the weekend that freed US Army Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl will come back to haunt the US. Those released were senior Taliban leaders who may still retain their influence.

Bergdahl family

The US released senior Taliban officials in exchange for Sergeant Bergdahl

Conflict & Justice

Some fear the prisoner exchange over the weekend that freed US Army Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl will come back to haunt the US. Those released were senior Taliban leaders who may still retain their influence.

The World

Hamid Karzai calls for disbanding of private security companies

Hamid Karzai is demanding that all private security contractors disband in four months. We’re joined by Allison Stanger, author of ‘One Nation Under Contract: The Outsourcing of American Power and the Future of Foreign Policy.’