Events

In Afghanistan and Iraq, Congress provides oversight and resources for U.S. programs to reform local military and police forces. This process is critical to U.S. success, but is little understood. USIP's Security Sector Reform Working Group examined the role of Congress in ensuring that security assistance is effective, serves U.S interests and creates democratic security forces.

The Asia Foundation will release findings from its fifth public opinion poll, "Afghanistan in 2009: A Survey of the Afghan People," the most comprehensive survey conducted in all 34 of Afghanistan’s provinces.

In the aftermath of violent conflict in countries such as Nepal, public distrust of the police can undermine justice and security sector reform efforts and weaken the rule of law.  How can justice and security sector reform be approached in a way that strengthens the rule of law?

Dr. Hoodbhoy will assess the growth of extremist trends and related political changes in Pakistan, as well as discuss countervailing forces and the inherent resilience of Pakistani society. His analysis will draw out ways by which Pakistanis can help themselves, and the means by which US and Western assistance to Pakistan can help Pakistan stay on an even keel and help move it forward politically and economically.

On June 12, Iran held an historic, and as it has turned out, highly contentious presidential election.  While the government  declared incumbent President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad the decisive winner, his challengers--led by Mir Hossein Mousavi--have accused the regime of massive voter fraud, thus setting up a unprecedented conflict between a regime and major segments of society. These developments come on the heels of efforts by the Obama administration to engage Iran.  USIP hosted a fascinating discussion of the implications of Iran's presidential election for  the country's domestic politics, and even more so, for the course (and fate) of  U.S.-Iranian engagement.