October 9th, 2008 by Jason

Yesterday the Center for Strategic and International Studies hosted Ronald Neumann, former U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan (2005-2007), and Arnaud de Borchgrave, Senior Advisor and Director of the CSIS Transnational Threats Project, to discuss the current state of nation building and security in Afghanistan.

Ambassador Neumann said that improved security and justice are priorities for Afghans. He said the proposed increase in troops to Afghanistan is nothing more than a marginal reinforcement to prevent a complete disaster. Neumann said there is much to work with in Afghanistan, and though we may not succeed, there is no reason at all to be hopeless.

Arnaud de Borchgrave said that increasing troops to Afghanistan is putting good money after bad. He also described as critical Saudi Arabia’s recent role in mediating negotiations between the Taliban and Kabul.

For POMED’s notes on this event, click here.

Posted in Afghanistan, DC Event Notes, Event Notes, Military, POMED, Sectarianism, Taliban, Terrorism, US foreign policy |