Green and White: Stories from Afghan Politics and History

In this episode I discuss Trump's decision to extend the Afghan conflict. I explain why I think it is a bad idea to continue the war and provide some examples. This isn't a standard episode, but I hope you all enjoy it.

What does it cost to be friends with warlords?

I discuss the environment that created Kandahar's Provincial Chief of Police Abdul Raziq Achekzai. In the news segment, I discuss the implications of the MOAB, reference Hamid Karzai, and discuss the tragedy in Mazar-e Sharif.

Morale continues to deteriorate among Afghan security forces as the Taliban make gains in the country. Why?

Matiullah Khan was dead. His brother, Rahimullah, was not made police chief and caused the security situation in Uruzgan to collapse.

Matiullah Khan used his uncle's private militia to provide security on the road from Kandahar to Tarin Kot, but why would international forces prop up a warlord?

Jan Mohammad Khan fought against the Soviets in the 1980s and his connections to Hamid Karzai earned him the governorship of Uruzgan Province. He used his position to kill his enemies, but in Afghanistan revenge has a way of coming back around.