February 15 marks six months since the Taliban's takeover of Kabul. The changes over that time have fundamentally altered the U.S. approach to Afghanistan, although the goals of countering terrorism, maintaining regional stability and protecting Afghans' human rights remain. While violent conflict among armed groups has largely ended, Afghanistan's already struggling economy has deteriorated, and the Afghan people are facing an extraordinarily grave humanitarian crisis. The Taliban's "interim government" is widely viewed as insular and exclusive. It has restricted rights of girls and women, and it has at times turned a blind eye to abductions, beatings and, in some cases, the torture and killing of journalists, human rights activists and former civilian and military officials. 

Tom West was appointed the U.S. special representative for Afghanistan in October 2021, and tasked with advancing U.S. objectives in Afghanistan following the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces and the Taliban takeover. As part of his efforts, he engages in dialogue with representatives of the Taliban, regional leaders, the international community and Afghan political, civil society and diaspora members to find ways to assist the Afghan people while protecting U.S. national security interests.

On Februrary 15, USIP held a discussion with Special Representative West on the State Department's consultations with the Taliban, other Afghans and the international community as well as an overview of how the United States and others are supporting the Afghan people during this period of significant transition for the country. Following keynote remarks was a question and answer session, moderated by former USIP Board of Directors Chair and former U.S. National Security Advisor Stephen J. Hadley. 

Speakers

Thomas West 
Special Representative for Afghanistan and Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of South And Central Asian Affairs, U.S. Department of State

Stephen J. Hadley, moderator 
Former Chair, Board of Directors, U.S. Institute of Peace; Former U.S. National Security Advisor 

Related Publications

Myanmar Scam Hubs Revive Fast After China Eases Pressure on Junta

Myanmar Scam Hubs Revive Fast After China Eases Pressure on Junta

Thursday, September 26, 2024

Transnational crime groups in Southeast Asia, hit with intense scrutiny and law enforcement action earlier this year, are moving into new areas and adapting their operations as they revive and expand global scam operations. In Myanmar — a key center of this internet-based criminal activity — extreme political instability combined with the connivance of the country’s military and its militias continue to provide fertile ground for crime groups, albeit in new configurations. At the same time, a sudden shift in China’s posture toward Myanmar’s military regime has eased pressure on the scam industry, allowing criminal networks to further scale up their malign activities.

Type: Analysis

EconomicsGlobal PolicyHuman Rights

To Address Sexual Violence in Conflict, Don’t Overlook People with Disabilities

To Address Sexual Violence in Conflict, Don’t Overlook People with Disabilities

Wednesday, September 25, 2024

Sexual violence is a heinous crime that can affect anyone in conflict zones around the world. However, those with disabilities are often at greater risk of sexual violence than their counterparts without disabilities. Despite this, programs and policies for addressing conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) rarely focus on how people with disabilities are uniquely affected, yet alone the best ways to prevent such violence, support survivors and seek justice.

Type: Analysis

GenderHuman Rights

Out of the Spotlight, Myanmar’s Rohingya Face Worst Violence in 7 Years

Out of the Spotlight, Myanmar’s Rohingya Face Worst Violence in 7 Years

Wednesday, September 25, 2024

Since early 2024, fighting in northern Rakhine state has led to the worst attacks on the Rohingya population since 2017, when Myanmar’s military drove more than 750,000 across the border into Bangladesh. The new attacks are a stark reminder of the Rohingyas’ vulnerability. The world has known about their plight for decades, and in 2024, only 636,000 Rohingya — or 23 percent of the 2.8 million Rohingya around the world — still live in their homeland, Myanmar.

Type: Analysis

Conflict Analysis & PreventionGlobal PolicyHuman Rights

View All Publications