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The article discusses progress in the Afghan war. U.S. President Barack Obama has reversed an earlier policy and committed to keeping U.S. forces in Afghanistan until at least 2014. Counterinsurgency tactics devised by U.S. Army Major Jim Gant appear to be making progress against the Taliban militants, while U.S. special operations forces have significantly degraded the mid-level Taliban leadership. U.S. General David Petraeus has reformed contracting policies that often resulted in the Taliban indirectly receiving funds from the U.S.

In this article, the author discusses the promise made to Afghanistan when U.S. forces overthrew the Taliban and so that a new government was installed. Then U.S. President George W. Bush pledged support for the country, but very little has been given since, except for military support. A poll of Afghans revealed that they believe the biggest danger to them is the Taliban, they also believe that poverty and unemployment are important issues. A study has revealed that most of the aid to Afghanistan is not spent on Afghan projects. The article suggests steps that could be taken that would improve the economic situation in Afghanistan.

The article discusses the confrontation between Al Qaeda and the U.S. in the cave complex of Tora Bora in eastern Afghanistan in December of 2001. The Battle of Tora Bora is described, noting that Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden was present during the battle. The work of U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) officer Gary Berntsen in the battle is also discussed.

The article discusses Al Qaeda and the Taliban. A member of the Taliban reported to journalists from "Newsweek" that Al Qaeda has worked with Taliban members to teach them improvised explosive device technology and suicide-bomber methods. Mullah Dadullah, a key leader of the Taliban in Afghanistan, is outspoken about a connection with Al Qaeda and stated his gratitude in 2006 to learn that Osama bin Laden was alive.

The article chronicles the rebuilding of the Al Qaeda terrorist network following the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States. The author discusses the disorganization and demoralization of Al Qaeda leadership after September 11 and their restructuring efforts. The author also discusses Al Qaeda reorganization in Iraq and Afghanistan.

This article reports on the political and social developments in Afghanistan, where the war against the Taliban continues. Suicide bombings are increasing, indicating the presence of more radical Islamic groups. Despite a rise in civilian deaths via the Allied forces, polls indicate broad support from the general public.

The article discusses policy that U.S. presidential candidate Barack Obama could enact as president that would affect the Al Qaeda and Taliban organizations. The author emphasizes that Taliban and Al Qaeda leaders are free in the border area between Pakistan and Afghanistan, and that Taliban forces could surround and take over Kabul, Afghanistan. The author describes how the next president could utilize military strategy in Afghanistan similar to that which succeeded in the Iraq war.

The author repudiates the notion that the Afghan War will be U.S. President Barack Obama's Vietnam. A comparison of the two wars is presented, emphasizing on their differences in support of the view that Obama's chances for success in Afghanistan is high. The author examines the reasons for the failure of the Soviets in Afghanistan. The major features of the Obama administration's Afghan policy are also discussed.

The article focuses on the whereabouts of Osama bin Laden, leader of the terrorist organization al-Qaeda. The author gives several reasons why finding bin Laden is crucial for the U.S., including justice for terrorism victims and national safety. The author presents quotes from bin Laden from individuals reported to have seen him since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

The article looks at the country of Afghanistan in 2011 and speculates on its future. The author believes that Afghanistan will be able to overcome its history under Taliban rule and develop economically. Statistics on the opinions of Afghan citizens on the presence of the U.S. military in Afghanistan are presented. The announcement of U.S. President Barack Obama that American forces will remain in Afghanistan until the end of 2014 is also discussed. The author comments on the economic opportunities awaiting Afghanistan, focusing on the discovery of copper and gold deposits.

In this article, the author argues that the U.S. military should have withdrawn from Afghanistan long ago and should give up supporting a losing cause. The article also notes that a withdrawal in the near future is very unlikely even though it is speculated that the administration of U.S. President Barack Obama knows that its goals are unachievable. The Obama administration has hopes that it will ensure that a stable Afghanistan government will be built and that there will be a Pakistani government that works with the U.S. to destroy terrorist groups.

The article discusses the status of the Afghan war, referring to U.S. President Barack Obama's so-called Af-Pak countersanctuary strategy designed to eliminate safe havens for Taliban and al-Qaeda operatives. It notes theories regarding advances that the Taliban would make in Afghanistan were it not for the presence of international military forces.

Several letters to the editor are presented regarding the article "Waltzing with Warlords," by Peter Bergen, which appeared in the January 1, 2007 issue of "Nation." A response to these letters is provided by Bergen, where he discusses the themes of his initial article, which focused on Taliban forces in Afghanistan.

The article discusses the improvements in Afghanistan since the U.S. invasion in 2001, with information on gross domestic product (GDP), life expectancy, and the return of Afghan refugees to the country. It analyzes the effect of the Taliban's removal from power on the terrorist organization al Qaeda, social conditions in Afghanistan, and economic growth. Also discussed is the role of Afghan President Hamid Karzai in reinforcing the country's political legitimacy and the limited potential for a return to civil war after the withdrawal of U.S. military forces.

Presents an account of the author's personal visits to Kabul, Afghanistan in the wake of the imposed control of the Taliban, a band of Islamic students. Discussion on how their previous vice and virtue laws which banned entertainment and employment for women have informally changed; Reasons as to why they have become more liberal for the sake of modernization; Job opportunities permissible for women such as working in bakeries; Details of frequent human rights abuse by the Taliban.

The article presents a discussion regarding the organizational evolution of the Islamist militia group known as the Taliban. It argues that the Afghan War has altered the definition of the Taliban and provides a description of several militant organizations in Afghanistan and Pakistan that can be classified as such including the Haqqani Network, al Qaeda, and Hezb-i-Islami. It also discusses plans by U.S. President Barack Obama to reduce the amount of troops stationed in Afghanistan, overviews various attacks and missions of the various Taliban militant organizations, and mentions the leadership of the Afghan Taliban by Mullah Omar.