SMA CENTCOM (Afghanistan) Panel Discussion

June 2018 No Comments

SMA CENTCOM (Afghanistan) Panel Discussion (Featuring Dr. Hamdullah Mohib, Afghan Ambassador to the United States)

Speakers: Khan, F. (NPS); Mohib, H. (Afghan Ambassador to the United States); Ostovar, A. (NPS); Rothstein, H. (NPS); Twomey, C. (NPS)

Date: 13 June 2018

Speaker Session Preview

SMA hosted a speaker session presented by BG (Ret.) Feroz Khan (NPS), AMB Hamdullah Mohib (Afghan Ambassador to the United States), Dr. Afshon Ostovar (NPS), Dr. Christopher Twomey (NPS), and moderator, Dr. Hy Rothstein (NPS) as a part of its SMA CENTCOM (Afghanistan) Speaker Series. AMB Mohib first provided his insights on the Afghan peace process and emphasized that US decision makers must keep in mind that the Afghanistan we are dealing with today is not the Afghanistan we dealt with in 2001 or even in 2013. BG (Ret.) Khan then offered a Pakistani perspective and clarified some of the myths and truths about Pakistan’s involvement in and views towards Afghanistan. Dr. Ostovar proceeded to discuss Iran’s interests and key issues in the region. Dr. Twomey then spoke about how China is less interested in Afghanistan than it is in Pakistan, due largely to its security rivalry with India. To conclude the discussion, the panelists commented on noteworthy points brought up during each other’s presentations.