Gates Plans to Double Size of Afghan Army

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• Pakistan Cracks Open Afghan Supply Route

  Jan 2, 09 5:38 PM CST
  Pakistan allowed traffic to cross the Khyber Pass today for 6 hours after closing it to help fight the Taliban, the New York Times reports. But analysts say that once the offensive is over, guerrillas who fled the area will simply return to the pass, a crucial supply route for NATO troops in Afghanistan. US forces dependent on the route are looking for alternatives as Washington plans to as much as double troops in Afghanistan next year. More »

• US Troop Deaths at New Low

  Dec 31, 08 2:09 AM CST
  The US military lost 467 service members in Iraq and Afghanistan in 2008, the lowest annual death toll since the Iraq war began in 2003, reports USA Today. But the coming year could be more challenging. Up to 30,000 extra troops are being sent to Afghanistan and upcoming elections are bound to be a flashpoint in Iraq.
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• Pakistani Offensive Shuts US Supply Line to Afghanistan

  Dec 30, 08 8:45 AM CST
  Pakistan closed the main route used to ferry supplies to US and allied troops in Afghanistan today after launching a fresh offensive against militants in the area. The road through the Khyber Pass in the northwest of Pakistan has faced increasing attacks by militants seeking to squeeze Western forces fighting a resurgent Taliban in Afghanistan in recent months. More »

• Pentagon Plans Afghan Surge of 20,000

  Nov 22, 08 2:24 AM CST
  US commanders are drawing up plans to send an extra 20,000 troops to Afghanistan over the next 12 to 18 months, Reuters reports. Defense Secretary Robert Gates says the surge will help reverse the rising violence in the country and safeguard elections planned for next fall. Commanders say the current NATO force in southern Afghanistan is overwhelmed by the growing Taliban insurgency.
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• Taliban Force US to Find New Route to Afghanistan

  Nov 19, 08 8:39 AM CST
  Since the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, the American military has received about 75% of its supplies via a NATO corridor from Pakistan. But as the Taliban continue to grow in strength and the border region becomes ever more unstable, the US is now seeking new routes—including a punishing overland journey via Europe. Attacks on drivers have become a daily occurrence, writes the Washington Post, and many on the route see no end in sight.
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