The Future of Afghanistan and the Region in the New U.S. Administration

Since the attacks of September 11, 2001, the U.S. has engaged in and with Afghanistan in pursuit of common strategic interests. The U.S. cooperation with Afghanistan remains a key front in a generational conflict against violent extremists across the greater Middle East. In order to succeed, the U.S. needs, above all, allies in the region with whom it can partner militarily and politically, and the strategies and policies going forward need to include ensuring the success of this American-Afghan partnership. Afghanistan despite enormous achievements is also facing huge challenges on daily basis such as security, economy, domestic politics, and regional rivalries. As the new U.S. administration prepares to take office in few weeks’ time, it is important to discuss what Afghanistan and the South-Central Asia region mean for a Trump administration. The panelists will analyze what major developments have informed U.S. strategy since the National Unity Government took power in Afghanistan more than two year