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Policing Afghanistan: A Meeting of the Security Sector Reform Working Group

Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2009 / Time: 5:30am - 7:30am 

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Despite the $10 billion spent on training, the Afghan police are "the weak link in the security chain," according to Special Envoy Richard Holbrooke. Police expansion is a major component of President Obama's strategy for Afghanistan, but there is widespread concern about this program. USIP's Security Sector Reform Working Group hosted a panel presentation to discuss this issue.

Despite the $10 billion spent on training, the Afghan police are "the weak link in the security chain," according to Special Envoy Richard Holbrooke. Police expansion is a major component of President Obama's strategy for Afghanistan, but there is widespread concern about this program. A panel of experts discussed this issue from their various perspectives.

Speakers

  • Ali Jalali
    Distinguished Professor, National Defense University
    Former Interior Minister of Afghanistan (Jan 2003 - Sep 2005)
  • Mark Schneider
    Senior Vice President, International Crisis Group
  • Federiga Bindi
    Visiting Fellow, The Brookings Institution
    Director of the Jean Monnet European Centre for Excellence
  • Richelle Smockum
    Senior Policy Advisor for Rule of Law, Afghanistan Task Force of Foreign Affairs
    International Trade Canada
  • Robert Perito, Moderator
    Director, Security Sector Reform Working Group, U.S. Institute of Peace

Explore FurtherUSIP Special Report on Afghanistan Police

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