This is the first session of a four-part series leading to the fifth anniversary of the fall of the Taliban.

The Taliban, drug traffickers, local warlords, cross-border insurgency, and other anti-government forces are exploiting the weaknesses of an impoverished nation and a weak central government, which threatens the achievements of the last five years.

  • What resources can be directed to make the Afghan state stronger and more stable?
  • How effective is the new NATO strategy?
  • Are the police and army capable of ensuring security throughout Afghanistan?
  • How strong is the Taliban and how can the Taliban's forces be countered?

Speakers

  • Deborah Alexander
    Former Special Advisor
    U.S. Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan (2002-2006)
  • John Gastright
    Deputy Assistant Secrety of State for South Asian Affairs
    U.S. Department of State
  • Jonathan Landay
    Journalist
    McClatchy Newspapers
  • Beth Cole DeGrasse, Moderator
    U.S.Institute of Peace

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