• Sections
  • Newsletters
  • Podcasts
  • Support TPM
  • Shop Merch
  • Site Info
  • About
  • Sections
  • Editors' Blog
  • News
  • Live Blog
  • Cafe
  • Muckraker
  • Morning Memo
  • Where Things Stand
  • The Weekender
  • The Franchise
  • Features
  • Support TPM
  • Memberships
  • The TPM Journalism Fund
  • Site Info
  • FAQ
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy
  • Site Status
  • About
  • About TPM
  • Mission
  • Masthead
  • Financials
  • Careers
  • Pitch Us
Follow TPM
© 2026 TPM MEDIA LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Talking Points Memo Logo
Send Tips TPM 25th Anniversary Badge
Editors' Blog

104,100

by David Kurtz
12.02.09 | 10:36 am

That’s the number of private contractors in Afghanistan under contract to the Defense Department — more than the total number of U.S. troops even with the additional 30,000 about to be deployed. Justin Elliott has the breakdown.

Send Tips
David Kurtz is TPM's editor at large.
LATEST
The Weekender
Greg Bovino Calls Minneapolis Protestors ‘Cannon Fodder’ in New Interview
05.02.26 | 8:00 am
News
Republicans Celebrate Landry’s Decision to Suspend Active Election, and Dems Sue 
05.01.26 | 11:09 am
Morning Memo
What Sam Alito Has Wrought on the Map of U.S. Politics
05.01.26 | 11:07 am
News
White House Claims Iran War Has Been ‘Terminated,’ Despite Ongoing Blockade. Experts Say That’s Absurd.
05.01.26 | 10:45 am
Talking Points Memo
© 2026 TPM MEDIA LLC.
Masthead Contact Privacy Policy
  • About
  • Memberships
  • Careers
  • Advertise
  • Site Status
  • FAQ
  • Newsletters
  • Pitch Us
  • Terms of Use
  • CCPA Notice