Today Is The 13th Anniversary Of The U.S. War In Afghanistan

U.S. Marines observe surrounding compounds during a security patrol in Washir district in Helmand province, Afghanistan, Sept. 29, 2014. The Marines are assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. John A. Martinez Jr.

After 13 Years, War in Afghanistan Grinds On -- Wall Street Journal

Tuesday marks the 13th anniversary of the war in Afghanistan–America’s longest war.

For U.S. combat troops, the end is in sight: By Dec. 31, most of them will have been withdrawn.

Unfortunately for Afghans, and their neighbors affected by the withdrawal, the war all but promises to continue–indefinitely.

The Taliban has no incentive to stop fighting the Afghan state. Why should it, when Taliban forces are in position to make battlefield gains? Foreign troops are headed for the exits, and Afghan security forces–despite improvements in capacity–remain a major work in progress. The Taliban, though weakened by coalition forces’ firepower, remains a potent enemy, as evidenced by offensives launched in recent months. The sanctuaries that the Taliban and its Haqqani network allies enjoyed in Pakistan remain intact, even after a recent Pakistani countermilitancy operation in North Waziristan, which appears to have targeted other militant groups.

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More News, Analysis, And Commentary On Afghanistan

Here's What Happened On The First Day Of America's Longest War, Which Began 13 Years Ago Today -- Business Insider
Afghanistan war in numbers -- The Telegraph
Longest in US history: Afghan War turns 13, US military deaths grow 4-fold under Obama -- RT
Afghan Army Death Rates Soar In 2014 Fighting Season -- AP
Afghan politicians are exaggerating Taliban wins, U.S. general says -- Washington Post
U.S. commander in Afghanistan says recent Taliban gains fleeting -- Reuters
Government try to win hearts of Taliban in Afghanistan with soap based on The Archers -- Express
Afghanistan still ruled by bickering warlords while Taliban eludes defeat -- Scott Taylor, RAWA News
‘My biggest fear is world diverting its attention from Afghanistan’ - Afghan politician. -- RT
5 priorities for Afghanistan -- Ahmad Majidyar, Special to CNN
Will Afghanistan Become the ‘Forgotten War’ Again? -- Stephanie Gaskell, National Journal/Defense One