Afghanistan

Efforts to Curb Helmand Opium Show Promise

Poppy cultivation in Helmand province, Afghanistan’s opium capital, fell by more than 30 per cent this year - but what will next year bring?

Freed Afghan Journalist Thanks IWPR

Heratis Mourn Rebel Commander

But government says Herat now safer after death of Ghulam Yahya Akbari in fight with Afghan and foreign troops.

Crossfire Forces Wardak Farmers Off Land

Locals abandon orchards after getting caught up in fighting between US forces and insurgents.

Melon Crop Under Threat

Failure of efforts to stop the melon fly prompts farmers in the north to consider giving up the crop.

Ethnic Clashes Hit Faryab

Minor incident blows up into full-scale rioting between Uzbeks and Pashtuns in northern province.

Balkh Power Struggle Leaves Locals Fearful

Residents of Balkh province braced for violence as two prominent figures square off over the elections.

Heratis in No Mood for Second Vote

Locals so angry and disappointed by electoral fraud, many say they will not vote if ballot goes to second round.

Kambakhsh Freed

Student jailed for downloading from the Internet is released.

Ballot Uncertainty Fuels Cynicism in Helmand

As post-election agony continues, Helmandis are increasingly disillusioned with their government - and with democracy itself.