Ozzie Nelson

US troops train for both combat and conversation in bid to win over Afghan population. Two young American soldiers in combat gear sit at a small table in a concrete block building, politely but insistently questioning a 66-year-old Afghan actor playing the role of a village elder.

Analysis: Marjah offensive a test of Obama's plans for waging war, starting US exit next year. The real test of President Barack Obama's Afghan war plan may come after the fighting stops.

Analysis: New Afghan voting may not confer legitimacy to a shaky US ally in 8-year-old war. President Barack Obama's relief at the agreement that could quiet the political crisis over Afghanistan's spoiled election masks his predicament as he weighs an expansion of the unpopular Afghanistan war.

Analysis: New Afghan voting may not confer legitimacy to a shaky US ally in 8-year-old war. President Barack Obama's relief at the agreement that could quiet the political crisis over Afghanistan's spoiled election masks his predicament as he weighs an expansion of the unpopular Afghanistan war.

The Pentagon's chief is undertaking the tricky task of trying to persuade allies to remain committed to the war in Afghanistan even as the Obama administration debates whether to send more troops to fight.

Pentagon chief seeking help from allies in Asia, NATO in remaining committing to Afghan fight. The Pentagon's chief is undertaking the tricky task of trying to persuade allies to remain committed to the war in Afghanistan even as the Obama administration debates whether to send more troops to fight.