Afghanistan: What Risk of Armed Conflict?
There is a growing trend of reporting on armed conflicts between the Taliban and various factions in different parts of Afghanistan as well as intra-Taliban clashes. Additionally, ISIS has increased its presence significantly in Afghanistan according to a UN report.
This panel will analyze the dynamics between different armed groups, including the Taliban regime, in Afghanistan. What are their interests and objectives? Will there be peace or more armed conflict as the weather warms up? How will it impact the humanitarian situation? What can and should be done about it at local, regional, and international levels? Join us in this interactive discussion.
Opening remarks:
Lisa Schirch, Richard G. Starmann, Sr. Professor of the Practice of Peace Studies
Panelists:
Shukria Barakzai, Afghan Politician, Former Member of Parliament
Mohammad Moheq, Former Afghan Ambassador to Egypt, Editor-in-Chief at Hasht-e-Subh Daily
Graeme Smith, Senior Advisor at the International Crisis Group on Afghanistan
Moderator:
Aref Dostyar (M.A. ’16), Senior Advisor to the Kroc and Pulte Afghan Peace and Development Research Initiative, Former Consul General of Afghanistan in Los Angeles