While the peaceful and democratic transfer of power marks a milestone in Afghanistan’s tumultuous history, the country faces mounting security and governance challenges as international support is diminishing. To ensure long-term stability, the following five priorities should top the new government’s agenda.
While the Obama administration should welcome the inauguration of the new government in Kabul, it will be a grave mistake if the US and its allies use Afghanistan’s peaceful transfer of power as an excuse to justify their exit strategy.
Advances made by the Taliban make it imperative that Afghanistan’s competing presidential candidates form a unity government and address pressing political and security issues sooner than later.
AEI resident scholar Michael Rubin and senior research associate Ahmad Majidyar have released a booklet highlighting the diversity of Shi’ite communities in the Middle East, the political and diplomatic issues unique to each one, and efforts by each to resist Iranian political and religious domination.
Please join analysts from the United States and across the Middle East to discuss Shi‘ite strategies to preserve communal independence and how the United States can successfully work with Shi‘ite communities outside Iran.
As sectarian violence rages Iraq and Syria and simmers across the broader region, the role of the Middle East’s diverse Shi’ite communities has become increasingly important for regional stability.
In Pakistan, anti-Shi’ite violence is unremitting and risks destabilizing the country and engulfing the surrounding region. Pakistani political and military leadership must develop a comprehensive plan that includes reforming the country’s education system, promoting interfaith harmony, and curbing foreign funding for extremist groups.
The past 36 years of conflict in Afghanistan provide valuable lessons about the advantages and the perils of negotiating with insurgents. Pursuing negotiation with the Taliban as an exit strategy is both unrealistic and dangerous.
With Iranian support, Hezbollah—a predominantly Shi’ite group and a US-designated terrorist organization—has emerged as the most powerful military and political force in Lebanon.