On December 7, 2009 at 2-4pm EST, the United States Institute for Peace is bringing together speakers to discuss “The Way Forward in Afghanistan.”  It will be broadcast via webcast at: http://www.usip.org/webcast.html

The invitation states:

“On Tuesday, December 1, 2009 President Obama gave a major address on Afghanistan, committing additional U.S. soldiers, civilians, and assistance to Afghanistan eight years after the initial invasion. Does the United States have a compelling national interest in Afghanistan? Does the U.S. have the partners and strategy it needs to succeed? What is the way forward for the U.S. and its Afghan and international partners?

The event will feature the following speakers:

Ashraf Ghani, Discussant
Chairman, Institute of State Effectiveness and Former Finance Minister of Afghanistan

Stephen Hadley, Discussant
Senior Adviser for International Affairs, USIP and Former U.S. National Security Adviser

Wendy Chamberlin, Discussant
President, Middle East Institute and Former U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan

Alex Thier, Moderator
Director, Afghanistan and Pakistan programs, USIP”