Events
GPI Ambassadors Forum
Afghanistan: The Way Forward
Ambassador of Afghanistan paints a positive picture of the road ahead
On May 29, 2018 the Global Policy Institute held an event featuring Dr. Hamdullah Mohib, Ambassador of Afghanistan to the United States as distinguished Speaker. The event is part of the Ambassadors Forum Series. Richard Leiby, a Washington Post Senior Editor and President of GPI Board of Directors participated as a discussant. The event was moderated by Paolo von Schirach, President of the Global Policy Institute.
Dr. Hamdullah Mohib remarks focused on how much progress Afghanistan has made, notwithstanding the serious challenges represented by the Taliban insurgency and various terrorist organizations that engage in “asymmetric warfare”: terror attacks often in the shape of suicide missions.
Ambassador Mohib pointed out how Afghanistan, despite the frequent violent incidents, is seriously engaged in building not just its police and armed forces, (with the help of the US and others), but also a functioning modern state and a vibrant people centered democracy. Much has been achieved in the last few years in terms of improved access to health care and education, including universities. There is serious focus in building the agriculture sector, while there is a determined effort underway to eradicate corruption.
Richard Leiby observed that unfortunately most Americans cannot follow closely events in Afghanistan. Therefore they cannot grasp the importance of America’s contributions and most fundamentally the importance of building up the Afghan armed forces (through training programs and other forms of assistance) so that they will be able to prevent terrorists from controlling parts of this country. Americans see an expensive, open ended conflict and no clear strategy leading to victory against the Taliban insurgency and other terror groups.
Ambassador Mohib acknowledged the challenges. Yet he concluded on an optimistic tone. He stated that today’s Afghanistan, thanks to the military and economic help received from Washington and other countries, but mostly thanks to the resilience of its people and young democratic institutions, is forging ahead with confidence. Its armed forces are getting stronger and its economy is developing.