Fotini Christia
Letter From
In his recent speech, President Obama said that Afghanistan is ready to stand on its own. But where Obama sees success, Afghans see fragility -- and many fear for their lives once the United States leaves.
Essay
Jul/Aug
2010
Since 2001, the West has tried to build a strong centralized government in Afghanistan. But such an approach fits poorly with the country's history and political culture. The most realistic and acceptable alternative models of governance are decentralized democracy and a system of internal mixed sovereignty.
Essay
Jul/Aug
2009
The deployment of more U.S. troops to Afghanistan is necessary to tip the balance of power against the Taliban. But this military "surge" must be accompanied with a political one designed to persuade insurgents to give up their fight.
