Afghanistan War News Updates -- July 19, 2016

Olivier Laurent, Time: When War Is Just Another Day in Afghanistan

With at least 20% of Afghanistan still in the hands of a resurgent Taliban, the longest war in American history is far from over. Last week, President Barack Obama announced he would prolong the nation’s presence into the country well into 2017 with 8,400 troops expected to remain by the time he leaves office.

The news didn’t make front pages, but for Andrew Quilty, who’s been photographing the conflict from Kabul for the past three years, the world’s attention is essential. “Despite arguably good intentions, the 14-year international intervention in Afghanistan has been largely disastrous for all involved,” he tells TIME. “The international community shouldn’t be allowed to just walk away and forget Afghanistan.”

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Afghanistan War News Updates -- July 19, 2016

U.S. commander: Progress in fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan -- USA Today
U.S. military support may turn tides in Afghanistan war, commander says -- AP
Taliban Stages Fresh Attacks in Northern Afghanistan -- VOA
Taliban attack key tunnel connecting Kabul with North of Afghanistan -- Khaama Press
Major Taliban attack repulsed in Kunduz province -- Khaama Press
Taliban’s provincial council chief, Mullah Hamza, killed in Helmand -- Khaama Press
Afghan officials report Taliban attacks, uptick in violence -- AP
Afghan Governor: 400 'Ghost Soldiers' Found on Payroll -- Breitbart News
Attacks on hospitals: Afghanistan's medics under fire -- Al Jazeera
Würzburg attack - Why 'IS' presence in Afghanistan should be taken seriously -- DW
Can more powers to US troops change the course in Afghanistan? -- DW
Future of US Engagement in Afghanistan to Fall to Next President -- VOA