After 13 years of war, Afghanistan is preparing for a new phase of political transition. The U.S. intervention has left widely divergent situations across the country, but the long-promised 2014 troop withdrawal is set to proceed regardless of local conditions. As the year unfolds, Afghans will see a presidential election with no clear frontrunner amid faltering Taliban peace talks. Regional actors, notably India and China, are re-evaluating their position in the country. And America’s continuing leverage—and political interest—is in doubt. This special report examines Afghanistan’s uncertain transition through articles published in the past year.
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Afghanistan After America: Series Introduction
By Kathy Gilsinan
Jan. 8, 2014
Western Afghanistan’s Vulnerable Security Oasis
By Kathy Gilsinan
Jan. 15, 2014
Stability and Strongman Governance in Northern Afghanistan
By Kathy Gilsinan
Jan. 22, 2014
Competition for the Roads to Kabul
By Kathy Gilsinan
Jan. 29, 2014
In the South, a Damaged Taliban, but More Violence
By Kathy Gilsinan
Feb. 5, 2014
A Surge in Troops, and Poppy Production, in Helmand
By Kathy Gilsinan
Feb. 12, 2014
In Isolated Kabul, Power but Little Control
By Kathy Gilsinan
Feb. 19, 2014
As West Focuses on Troop Withdrawal, Afghans Look Beyond 2014
By Khalid Khoser
Sept. 12, 2013
Afghan Presidential Race Sees a Fractured Field
By Kathy Gilsinan
Oct. 7, 2013
NATO Taking Away the Air Force Afghanistan Has Come to Rely on
Interview with Gary Owen
Aug. 9, 2013
Past Yields Little Hope for Afghan Peace Talk Prospects
By Richard Weitz
June 25, 2013
Planning the Long Game in Afghanistan
By Steven Metz
Feb. 12, 2014
Wavering Investors, Legal Uncertainty Threaten Afghan Mining Sector’s Potential
By Matthew C. DuPee
Sept. 27, 2013
Securing Afghanistan Requires a Truly Regional Effort
By Neil Bhatiya
April 24, 2013
As U.S. Draws Down, India Raises Security Profile in Afghanistan
By Richard Weitz
Jan. 14, 2014
To Protect Interests, China Must Upgrade Afghanistan Policy
By Richard Weitz
Jan. 7, 2014
The Myth of Rising Radical Islamism in Post-2014 Central Asia
By Bayram Balci
Dec. 30, 2013
Iran’s Outreach to Afghanistan, Tajikistan Faces Obstacles
By Kevjn Lim
June 5, 2013
Troubles Ahead for U.S. Transition in Afghanistan
By Richard Weitz
July 16, 2013
For U.S. in Afghanistan, Zero Option Not So Bad After All
By Steven Metz
Dec. 4, 2013
Hagel Visit Shows Limits of U.S. Agenda in Afghanistan, Pakistan
By Richard Weitz
Dec. 10, 2013
As U.S. Draws Down in Afghanistan, Role Continues for Private Security Firms
By Eric Auner
Dec. 13, 2013
America’s Limited Leverage in Afghanistan
By Steven Metz
July 17, 2013
As Afghanistan War Draws Down, U.S. Interest in Central Asia Fades
By Joshua Kucera
July 24, 2013
U.S. Must Learn the Real ‘Lessons’ of Afghanistan
By Steven Metz
Jan. 16, 2013