Toughing it Out in Afghanistan: Current Prospects and Recommendations for Future Policy

Following General McChrystal’s strategic assessment and President Obama’s ensuing decision to further increase American troops and other resources to the mission, military and political leaders indicate the next 12 to 18 months will be critical in improving the security situation there. Toughing it Out in Afghanistan (Brookings Press, 2010), a unique collaboration between an American scholar and an Afghan-American, offers a succinct and eye-opening look at the current situation.

On February 22, Brookings hosted the launch of the book Toughing it Out in Afghanistan, written by Brookings Senior Fellow Michael O’Hanlon and Hassina Sherjan, an Afghan activist, educator and businesswoman. The book debunks a dozen commonly held myths and misimpressions about the state of Afghanistan today while offering concrete recommendations for future policy. ABC Chief Foreign Correspondent Martha Raddatz and Saban Center Senior Fellow Bruce Riedel joined O’Hanlon to discuss the conflict and what the international community can accomplish in this critical period.

After the program, the panelists took audience questions.