To the Point
The Future of Afghanistan Post-US Involvement
The US wants a residual force to remain when combat troops withdraw from Afghanistan at the end of this year. What's at stake for the Taliban and Afghan women?
By Warren Olney • • 51m ListenAfter 12 years and many billions of dollars, the US still wants a residual force to remain when combat troops withdraw from Afghanistan at the end of this year. What's at stake for the Taliban and Afghan women? Will there still be support in this country for continued involvement? Also, low expectations for current round of Iran nuclear talks, and members of Pussy Riot detained and released in Sochi.
Banner image: Afghan President Hamid Karzai listens to President Barack Obama at the Presidential Palace in Kabul, Afghanistan, May 1, 2012. Official White House Photo by Pete Souza
In this episode
3 storiesLow Expectations for Current Round of Iran Nuclear Talks
Despite predictions of failure from leaders on both sides, six world powers began talks with Iran today. The goal is a final settlement on Tehran's contested nuclear program. Vienna is the location of the first round of high-level negotiations since an interim deal was reached in November.
Read the story8 minWhat Will the US Leave Behind in Afghanistan?
When the US military complained that 65 "dangerous" prisoners were released without trial, President Karzai told it to stop "harassing" Afghan courts. At the same time, Karzai is negotiating with the Taliban, creating fears of a new "war against women" after 12 years of progress.
Read the story36 minPussy Riot Members Detained in Sochi
Before the Olympics, Vladimir Putin released two members of Pussy Riot from prison. Maria Alyokhina and Nadezhda Tolokonnikova then toured the US and Europe. Today, they were detained by police in Sochi, along with others.
Read the story7 min
