In Afghanistan this week, suicide attacks targeting Shia Muslims left at least 58 dead. Experts say the unprecedented attacks may be an attempt to spark sectarian violence. Meanwhile, in Bonn, world leaders (minus Pakistan) met to discuss Afghanistan’s future post-2014. They left with few clear answers, and one big question: without Pakistan, is there hope for peace in Afghanistan?

Here in the US, we’re left wondering. Why are we so set on spending billions of dollars on military operations in Afghanistan, when it’s clear from the continuing violence and inability to plan for Afghanistan’s future that the current policy isn’t working?

FROM ASG
12-1-11
Merkley Amendment Update
Afghanistan Study Group by Mary Kaszynski
Caveats and questions aside, the Senate’s approving the [Merkley] amendment is a very positive sign. It means that some members of Congress are starting to ask the questions that need to be asked…“Given our success in destroying al-Qaida training camps and pursuing those responsible for 9/11, why haven’t we brought our troops and our tax dollars home?”

ARTICLES
12-2-11
Nato plans push in eastern Afghanistan to quell Pakistan-based insurgents
The Guardian by Julian Borger
Nato commanders are planning a substantial offensive in eastern Afghanistan aimed at insurgent groups based in Pakistan, involving an escalation of aerial attacks on insurgent sanctuaries, and have not ruled out cross-border raids with ground troops.

12-6-11
U.S.’s Afghan Headache: $400-a-Gallon Gasoline
Wall Street Journal by Nathan Hodge
Parachuting a barrel of fuel to a remote Afghan base takes sharp flying skills, steady nerves and flawless timing. It also costs a lot of money—up to $400 a gallon, by military estimates. But the Pentagon is stuck with the expense for the foreseeable future, especially given the recent deterioration in U.S.-Pakistani relations.

OPINION
11-29-11
Five Things Afghan History Can Teach Us
Huffington Post by Suleiman Wali
If we look beyond Afghan history of the previous decade and well into the last century, five key points emerge that could help the country lay a better foundation for itself once American and NATO forces reduce their presence or leave altogether.

12-6-11
The Bonn Conference: Don’t Be Discouraged
National Interest by Paul Pillar
The United States needs to keep working energetically on regional diplomacy as a major front in its handling of the Afghan problem, whether it is in the form of more big conferences or less publicized negotiations…Regional diplomacy aimed at joint tackling of the Afghanistan problem also can have the bonus effect of encouraging cooperation and better relations on other issues between the United States and regional powers, especially Iran and Pakistan.

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