May 18, 2013 — Afghanistan is believed to be home to world-class mineral deposits, valued at up to $3 trillion and offering hope for the country's economic future. But in the current environment of uncertainty, investors are nervous and it could be many years before Afghanistan strikes pay dirt.

May 17, 2013 — From the Afghan capital Kabul, Morning Edition's Renee Montagne talks to Gen, Joseph Dunford, the commander of all U.S. and international forces there. They discuss the challenges of the current situation on the ground, and look ahead to the withdrawal of NATO combat troops in 2014.

May 16, 2013 — A suicide bomber in a car reportedly blew up himself and the vehicle as a NATO convoy passed by. Afghans who were nearby by, as well as some people in the convoy, were killed. Dozens of others were injured. The militant group Hizb-i-Islami has taken responsibility for the attack.

Jun 5, 2012 — Officials in northern Iraq caused a stir in Baghdad in May when they brought Turkey's oil minister to endorse a pipeline deal that would bring Kurdish-produced oil directly to Turkey and markets beyond. Outraged Baghdad officials said Ankara was playing a dangerous game, insisting on central government approval rights of all Kurdish oil exports. Analysts say Turkey may be enjoying a rare period of better ties with the Kurdish Regional Government than with Baghdad at the moment, but it's running the risk of cutting off lucrative economic opportunities in the rest of Iraq.

Jun 1, 2012 — Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has angered many political groups in Iraq that say he's concentrating too much power in his hands. There's talk of a no-confidence motion, but at least for now, there's no clear rival to replace him.

Feb 27, 2012 — The Army has identified the remains of the last missing American service member in Iraq. A Shiite extremist group handed over a wooden casket containing the remains of Staff Sgt. Ahmed al-Taie, who was abducted by gunmen in Baghdad in 2006. A Shiite lawmaker in Iraq says the gesture is part of a prisoner exchange agreement between the Iraqi government and an Iranian-backed insurgent group. Audie Cornish speaks with Wall Street Journal reporter, Michael Phillips.