Afghanistan in the Post-Karzai Era: A Conversation with Saad Mohseni

With its presidential race looming and the withdrawal of most U.S. and NATO-led troops drawing closer, Afghanistan is facing a period of major transition in the months ahead.  The outcome to the wide-open presidential race is crucial: the new president will not only manage the final phases of the U.S.-NATO troop withdrawal but will need to confront various ongoing challenges, including the continuing Taliban insurgency. Scheduled for April 5, 2014, the presidential election will do much to determine Afghanistan’s future, following the long presidency of Hamid Karzai, who has led the country since 2002.

On September 23, Brookings will host Saad Mohseni, chief executive officer of MOBY Group, the leading media organization in Afghanistan.  Mohseni and MOBY will play a potentially key role as that nation prepares for next spring’s presidential election and the end of the U.S./NATO-led security operation in 2014. Mohseni’s media outlets, including Tolo TV, have covered previous Afghan elections and have won international recognition for independence, balance, and creativity.  Brookings Senior Fellow Michael O’Hanlon, the Foreign Policy program’s director of research, will moderate the discussion with Mr. Mohseni.

Following the formal discussion, Mr. Mohseni will take audience questions.