• The Heritage Network
    • Resize:
    • A
    • A
    • A
  • Donate
  • Afghanistan

    Morning Bell: Afghan Forces Turning Against Their U.S. Trainers

    American troops in Afghanistan face an increased threat from “insider” attacks in which the Afghan forces they are there to help and train are turning their guns on their American partners, raising serious questions about the viability of the U.S. mission in Afghanistan. The attacks, which have killed 40 U.S. … More

    Al-Qaeda May Be Hurting, but It Still Poses Threat to U.S.

    In a recent article, well-known CNN national security analyst Peter Bergen claims that al-Qaeda is defeated and that it is time to declare victory over the vaunted terrorist organization. While the elimination of Osama bin Laden and his top deputies over the past year signals major strides against the organization, … More

    From Lenin’s Birthplace to NATO’s Logistical Hub

    The recent NATO summit in Chicago failed to produce a U.S.–Pakistan transit agreement. The agreement sought would have allowed U.S. forces and the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) to transport supplies via Pakistan safely and cost effectively, and it would have guaranteed that in 2013–2014, Pakistan would be the safe … More

    PODCAST: Trial of Doctor Who Helped U.S. Locate bin Laden

    In this week’s Heritage in Focus, listen to expert Lisa Curtis discuss the trial of Dr. Shakil Afridi, the doctor who helped the U.S. track down bin Laden and now faces 33 years in prison. Click here to listen. What obligation does the U.S. have to Dr. Afridi? How is this … More

    NATO Summit 2012: Without New Investment by Europeans, NATO’s Future Is in Doubt

    At the NATO Summit in Chicago this weekend, leaders will gather to discuss a number of issues facing the alliance. Top of the agenda will be Afghanistan, improving NATO’s military capabilities, and extending NATO’s partnerships with regional and global partners. However, nothing agreed at the summit will matter if America’s … More

    Opportunity to Showcase Long-Term Commitment to Afghanistan

    The long-awaited NATO Summit being held in Chicago next week with more than 60 heads of state and government in attendance will focus much of its deliberations on the future of Afghanistan. While “transition” has become a buzzword for the NATO mission in Afghanistan, the U.S and NATO Commander in … More

    Should the Agriculture Committee Decide what we do in Afghanistan?

    As part of an ongoing series, the Heritage Center for Legal and Judicial Studies periodically identifies a “Bill of the Week” that relates to the problem of overcriminalization in America. Our Bill of the Week segment usually highlights a piece of legislation that, due to its underlying policies, exacerbate the … More

    François Hollande’s Campaign Promises Could Jeopardize NATO’s Transition Strategy

    French President-elect François Hollande campaigned on bringing all French troops home from Afghanistan by the end of the year. Therefore, if this election promise is kept, NATO will have a gap of 3,300 troops to fill in an important area of Afghanistan during an important stage of the campaign. Currently, … More

    Obama’s Afghanistan Misstep

    Mark McKinnon, a former Bush advisor, doesn’t get it. “GOP Attacks on Obama’s bin Laden Ad Misguided,” declares his piece in the Daily Beast. Of course, the President has a right to crow over getting bin Laden. But sorry, Mark—there is a difference between highlighting a decision to burnish the … More

    Morning Bell: Bin Laden Dead, but the Mission Remains

    One year ago today, Seal Team Six landed in Abbottabad, Pakistan, and succeeded in bringing Osama bin Laden to ultimate justice. Though some may wish to bask in the glow of that success, now is not the time to celebrate or lay down arms. Bin Laden may be dead, but serious … More