Interviews with top academics and policymakers.
Ask the Afghan Ambassador
Said Tayeb Jawad answers your questions on the U.S. presence in Afghanistan, drug trafficking, and why we can’t find Osama bin Laden.
By Thomas Coen, Campus Progress
October 31, 2007
Said Tayeb Jawad was appointed as Afghanistan’s ambassador to the United States in December 2003. Jawad moved to the United States in 1986, but returned to Afghanistan four months after 9/11 to assist in the country’s state-building process. He has also served as Afghan President Hamid Karzai’s press secretary and chief of staff.
Jawad stopped by Campus Progress last week to answer questions submitted by Campus Progress readers. See questions below or view the entire interview.
What can the United States do to aid the Afghan government in its fight against the Taliban?
--Mark, University of Idaho
Get Flash to see this player.
Has the war in Iraq distracted us from our attempts to defeat the Taliban in Afghanistan?
Get Flash to see this player.
Why has the number of suicide bombings in Afghanistan escalated over the past few years?
Get Flash to see this player.
The U.N.'s half-year review of the security situation in Afghanistan says that your country is currently suffering its most violent year since the 2001 U.S. intervention. To what degree are U.S. and U.N. troops exacerbating the situation in Afghanistan? What effect would it have if they were to pull out?
--Matt, Rutgers University
Get Flash to see this player.
What can the United States do to improve its image around the world?
--Gina, University of California at San Diego
Get Flash to see this player.
What do you think of the use of the term "Islamofascism" by President Bush and others in the United States?
Get Flash to see this player.
Drug trafficking has increased in Afghanistan over the past few years. What is causing the opium harvest to skyrocket and why has it changed so much since the Taliban were in power?
Get Flash to see this player.
Terrorist organizations often get their funding from illicit drug sales. Can we fight Al Qaeda and other terrorist organizations by legalizing the drug trade and preventing these groups from profiting off of it?
Get Flash to see this player.
Some intelligence officials believe that Osama bin Laden is hiding in the tribal areas of northwest Pakistan. Why can't Afghan, Pakistani, or U.S. forces find him?
--Cass, James Madison University
Get Flash to see this player.
Last week, the New York Times wrote that "some current and former American and Afghan officials warn that corruption, drug trafficking and rising lawlessness pose graver threats to the government than even the Taliban." How would you respond? And what is your plan to combat these problems?
Get Flash to see this player.
President Bush recently suggested that a nuclear-armed Iran could lead to a third world war. How would Iran obtaining a nuclear warhead change the dynamics of the Middle East? What's your opinion of U.S. policy toward Iran?
Get Flash to see this player.
How long do you think there will be a significant U.S. military presence in Afghanistan?
Get Flash to see this player.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Get Flash to see this player.
View the entire interview
Get Flash to see this player.
Social Bookmarking
--------
Comments
|
!
