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The Prospects for Peace and Reconciliation in Afghanistan

Date: Monday, May 17, 2010 / Time: 6:00am - 7:30am 

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On May 17, 2010 USIP hosted one of Afghanistan's foremost politicians and diplomats, Abdullah Abdullah. A leading political advisor to Ahmad Shah Masood during the anti-Soviet jihad, and representative of the Northern Alliance during the Taliban era, Dr. Abdullah served as Afghanistan's Foreign Minister from 200-2006. In 2009, Dr. Abdullah ran a highly popular campaign for President of Afghanistan, qualifying for second round run-off election with President Karzai.

What are the prospects for a negotiated settlement to the armed conflict in Afghanistan? Just as the U.S. military is surging forces into southern Afghanistan, discussion about political reconciliation with insurgents is beginning to dominate the international agenda on Afghanistan. President Hamid Karzai has announced his desire to hold talks with top Taliban leaders, and has called for a consultative Peace Jirga this summer to build consensus among groups throughout Afghanistan. But is a peace deal with the one-time hosts to al-Qaeda possible? Will the Afghan groups that fought against the Taliban be willing to welcome them into the government?

Speakers

  • Abdullah Abdullah
    Former Finance Minister of Afghanistan
  • J Alexander Thier
    Director for Afghanistan and Pakistan, U.S. Institute of Peace

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