Map of Afghanistan and its neighbors. (Courtesy University of

Afghanistan's neighbors are playing a major role--both positive and negative--in the post-Taliban era. A group of leading specialists on the geopolitics of the region will asses the interests and influence of the countries surrounding Afghanistan. As a new, ethnically and politically diverse Parliament weighs in matters of governance, questions arise about the region's future:

• Are Afghanistan's neighbors hindering or helping the reconstruction process?
• How much are the neighboring countries directly or indirectly involved in Afghanistan?
• Can economic cooperation between these countries help promote stability and ease tensions?
• What are the key challenges that remain for Afghanistan that will be affected by the behavior of neighbors?

Speakers

• Dr. S. Frederick Starr, Chairman, Central Asia-Caucasus, John Hopkins University
• Ambassador R. Grant Smith, Forum Director, Central Asia-Caucus Institute and the Silk Road Studies program
• Dr. Marvin G. Weinbaum, Professor Emeritus, University of Illionis and Scholar-in-Residence, Middle East Institute
• Beth DeGrasse, Coordinator, Afghanistan Working Group, U.S. Institute of Peace, Moderator

Archived Audio

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