SPIEGEL ONLINE
- May 14, 2013
With the security situation deteriorating in Afghanistan, Chancellor Merkel paid a visit to German troops last week without even informing Afghan President Karzai. The move highlights frosty relations between Berlin and Kabul amid difficult negotiations for the 2014 troop withdrawal. By Ralf Beste, Matthias Gebauer and Gordon Repinski more... [ Comment ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- April 16, 2013
The German military plans to withdraw from Afghanistan completely by the end of next year. As it pulls out, it leaves behind Afghan employees -- some 1,700 of them -- including interpreters, drivers and kitchen staff. The Taliban has threatened to kill the collaborators. more... [ Comment ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- February 22, 2013
NATO has long said it wouldn't abandon Afghanistan following the conclusion of combat operations at the end of 2014. But the alliance is having trouble agreeing on just what that means. Now, planning for the future training mission has run into trouble. By Matthias Gebauer in Brussels more... [ Comment ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- February 21, 2013
Officially, the West plans to continue helping Afghanistan beyond the conclusion of the NATO mission at the end of 2014. But the US is planning a massive withdrawal, leaving behind a skeletal force of only 10,000 troops. Washington's allies will have to fill the gaps that result. By Matthias Gebauer and Christoph Schult more... [ Comment ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- January 22, 2013
Taliban fighters are full of derision for Prince Harry following the broadcast of an interview in which he brags of killing rebel fighters. NATO officers in Kabul are likewise unimpressed. By Hasnain Kazim in Islamabad more... [ Comment ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- November 26, 2012
A new report by the German government says Afghanistan is making little progress towards lasting peace and security. The Taliban remains an operational fighting force, national reconciliation isn't advancing and attacks by Afghan security forces on international troops are a cause for concern, the report reads. more...
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- November 05, 2012
Robert Bales stands accused of having murdered 16 people in cold blood last spring in Afghanistan. But his defense attorney plans to put the entire war in the dock with him. Mohammed Wazir, who lost six children in the massacre, wants to see Bales hang. By Guido Mingels more... [ Comment ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- October 30, 2012
German intelligence and special forces were instrumental in the recent arrest of Taliban commander Mullah Abdul Rahman. Ever since he hijacked two NATO tanker trucks in 2009, he has been a top priority for Berlin. Now, the government is even considering having him extradited to face justice in Germany. By Matthias Gebauer, Gordon Repinski, Christoph Reuter and Holger Stark more... [ Comment ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- October 25, 2012
Afghanistan's first football league is supposed to help bring peace to the country, but some players are risking their lives. By Guido Mingels more... [ Comment ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- October 15, 2012
The plan sounds good: Complete withdrawal of German combat troops from Afghanistan by the end of 2014. But it is hardly realistic. For one, it is a daunting logistical challenge. For another, troops will have to remain in the country to protect the military trainers who will stay after the main force leaves. By Matthias Gebauer and Gordon Repinski more... [ Comment ]
