Harvard University
Fellow at Harvard University’s Carr Center on Human Rights and a leading expert on the Taliban, the Pashtun tribes and Afghan politics; author of Reconciliation in Afghanistan; UN envoy to Kabul during the Taliban regime
PROFILE
Michael Semple
Guest
FROM Michael Semple
To the Point
Leaving Afghanistan: For Better or Worse? The search for Osama bin Laden turned into America's longest war and a vastly expensive exercise in trying to build one of the world's poorest nations. But critics say much of the country has been left out, while US dollars have fueled corruption that's even now raising the cost of American withdrawal. Meantime, the Taliban reportedly are divided, as one faction talks peace while the other waits to wage more war when Afghan forces are on their own. After twelve years of US involvement, what does Afghanistan look like now? What's in store for the future?
Which Way, L.A.?
In Afghanistan, More War or Reconciliation? Congress is likely to give the President $33 billion more to support his "surge" in Afghanistan. But a prime Republican supporter, Richard Lugar of Indiana, says the mission lacks " clarity " or "a clear definition of success." Democrat John Kerry is suggesting analogies to the war in Vietnam. The President of the Council on Foreign Relations, Richard Haass, says "continued or increased involvement" in Afghanistan is not worth America's " investment of blood and treasure ."
To the Point
Reconciliation and the Taliban: Is Obama Revising Afghanistan Plan? Congress is likely to give the President $33 billion more to support his " surge " in Afghanistan. But a prime Republican supporter, Richard Lugar of Indiana, says the mission lacks "clarity" or " a clear definition of success ." Democrat John Kerry is suggesting analogies to the war in Vietnam. The President of the Council on Foreign Relations, Richard Haass, says "continued or increased involvement" in Afghanistan is not worth America's " investment of blood and treasure ." General David Patraeus is still committed to full-fledged counterinsurgency, but is under increased pressure to deliver, even before the end of this year. Should the US cut back sooner rather than later? Is it time to deal with the Taliban? We get a progress report on America's longest war.
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