Syrian rebel infighting could take dangerous turn if Assad falls
If President Bashar al-Assad falls and the disparate Syrian opposition groups lose their common enemy, their ranks will likely fracture — perhaps violently.
Tom A. Peter
Syrian rebels riding momentum to Damascus
By Tom A. Peter
The fighting follows a number of gains for opposition forces in the north of Syria, which has sparked optimism among Syrians hoping for the downfall of the Assad regime.
Syrian rebels put choke hold on government supply lines
By Tom A. Peter
The Free Syrian Army has captured several critical areas from the government this week, curtailing delivery of supplies to those they are battling for control of Aleppo.
Inside Syria, rebels offer cautious support for unified council
By Tom A. Peter
Fighters on the front lines of the Syrian war expressed optimism about the new council formed out of Syrian opposition groups.
What will the Afghanistan war legacy be?
By Tom A. Peter
Much of the Soviets’ development work got wiped out by a civil war in the 1990s. But the scope of the effort then was limited compared with the work today.
Afghanistan war claims 2,000th US soldier, but pace slowing
By Tom A. Peter
The 2000th US soldier to die may have been the victim of another insider attack. Overall, the conflict has grown less deadly for US troops since 2010.
Afghanistan’s softer insurgents claim suicide attack. What next?
By Tom A. Peter
Militant group Hizb-e-Islami claimed Tuesday’s suicide bombing in Kabul that killed 12 civilians. The group had been more discriminating in targets, and more engaged in peace talks.
Joint raids suspended: NATO’s Afghanistan strategy hits hurdle
By Tom A. Peter
The new policy is likely to put even more distance between NATO and Afghan forces, stressing relations at a time when NATO has been working to hand over security to the Afghans.
Female suicide bomber kills foreigners in Kabul in response to video
By Tom A. Peter
Tuesday’s suicide bomb attack in Kabul killed at least 12 people. Responsibility was claimed by a moderate insurgent group that has rarely struck inside the Afghan capital.
Afghanistan: Six killed by insiders, insurgents blow up $180m in jets
By Tom A. Peter
Green-on-blue attacks in Afghanistan have killed at least 51 international troops this year.
Fresh from the inside, Syrian Army defectors say rebels have an edge
By Tom A. Peter
Former Syrian Army soldiers now fighting with the rebels say government troops are well-armed but demoralized, and that soldiers are increasingly conflicted about fighting for the regime.
In rebel-held ‘Free Syria,’ regime planes still terrorize
By Tom A. Peter
President Assad’s ground troops are nowhere to be seen in the rebel-held territory they call “Free Syria.” But without a no-fly zone, civilians, like those today in Al-Bab, find themselves constantly vulnerable to aerial assaults.
Amid squalor and fear on Turkish border, Syrians make plea for safe zone
By Tom A. Peter
So many Syrians have shown up along the Turkish border, hoping to cross and enter a refugee camp, that Turkey is calling on the international community to create a safe zone for them inside Syria.
In battle-scarred Aleppo, even bread lines aren’t a safe place for Syrians
By Tom A. Peter
Syrian civilians who have remained in Aleppo through weeks of fierce fighting face food and fuel shortages and live in fear of being killed while going about their daily tasks.
Afghanistan war: Can the U.S. gains last?
By Tom A. Peter
Almost 11 years into the US-led war in Afghanistan, the situation still remains so tenuous in some parts of Afghanistan that locals worry about the safety of accepting aid from the West.
5,000 Afghan ‘militants’ have surrendered — but are they real?
By Tom A. Peter
Officials say the Afghanistan Peace and Reintegration Program has brought stability to several areas. But critics say the real anti-government fighters aren’t participating.
Pakistan opens NATO supply line in boon to US forces in Afghanistan
By Tom A. Peter
Despite the cost savings, some analysts worry that coupling the reopening with Clinton’s apology sends the wrong message to Pakistan.
Taliban claim attack on Kabul resort, citing presence of ‘illicit fun’ and alcohol
By Tom A. Peter
Taliban militants killed at least 20 people in an all-night battle with Afghan security forces at a popular resort near Kabul.
India eyes increased role in Afghanistan
By Tom A. Peter
Aside from assisting in Afghanistan’s reconstruction, India has worked to strengthen economic ties and will soon begin training members of the Afghan security forces.
Suicide bombings in Afghanistan highlight difficult task ahead for US, NATO
By Tom A. Peter
A twin suicide bombing in Kandahar, Afghanistan’s second largest city, left at least 22 people dead and as many as 50 injured on Wednesday in one of the deadliest bombings so far this summer.