Taliban defiant over Obama surge
The Taliban say they will step up the fight in Afghanistan, after the US pledges to send substantial reinforcements.

Who are Taliban?
History of militants in Afghanistan and Pakistan

Life in Afghanistan
A look at Afghan life in maps, figures and graphics

Political obstacle
How does corruption actually work in Afghanistan?

Mixed feelings
Afghans give their views on decision to send more US troops

Q&A: Foreign forces in Afghanistan
The BBC News website looks at the mission of foreign forces in Afghanistan, which countries contribute soldiers and the opposition they face.

Nato's counter-insurgency push
The BBC's Lyce Doucet in the Afghan province of Wardak describes the efforts of US troops to reduce civilian casualties in the ongoing counter-insurgency.

Q&A: Waziristan challenge
How is the Pakistani army likely to fare as it takes on the Taliban in their tribal stronghold of South Waziristan?

Taliban tactics
A look at some of the tactics and equipment being used in Afghanistan by Taliban fighters

Military fatalities
Summary of UK personnel killed in Afghanistan since 2001

Analysis of troop casualties
Fatalities and casualties among British troops in graphics

Obama's troop surge
Military expert Michael Codner asks whether extra US troops will make a difference on the ground

Shoring support
Obama's strategy tries to keep America onside

Fleeing war
Refugees caught between troops and Taliban

Soviet lessons
Echoes for Nato in the Soviet exit from Afghanistan

Karzai's in-tray
The challenges facing the new government

Changing minds
Can Taliban fighters be persuaded to switch sides?

Militant zone
Mapping relations between militants across borders