Critics see dismal Afghanistan prospects as DoD defends troop buildup

Nearly 17 years into America's involvement in Afghanistan, key observers see little hope for a clear U.S. military victory in the central Asian nation, with news emerging from the country painting an increasingly dire picture, even as America once again builds up its presence there. In a recent interview with Defense News, Chuck Hagel, the … Continue reading Critics see dismal Afghanistan prospects as DoD defends troop buildup

After Trump speech, Blackwater founder still pushing Afghanistan mercenary plan

Last week, following U.S. President Donald Trump's speech on Afghanistan, Erik Prince, founder of the controversial mercenary contractor firm Blackwater, said that Trump would soon have to rethink what he described as "a kind of Obama-lite policy." Now, however, it appears that it is Prince who is rethinking his policy proposal, or at least his … Continue reading After Trump speech, Blackwater founder still pushing Afghanistan mercenary plan

Trump offers vague Afghan strategy, leaves mercenary option on table

President Donald Trump gave a much-anticipated speech Monday "to lay out our path forward in Afghanistan and South Asia." But while many predicted a definite announcement of a troop increase in the long-running Afghanistan War, Trump was instead vague, seemingly leaving the door open to a privatized, mercenary contractor option that has been floated. "I’ve … Continue reading Trump offers vague Afghan strategy, leaves mercenary option on table