Turning the Tide in Afghanistan: A Discussion with Sen. Joseph Lieberman

On January 29, the Brookings Institution hosted Senator Joseph Lieberman, chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, for a discussion of the challenges and opportunities facing the Obama administration in Afghanistan. Senator Lieberman, who is also a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and chairman of its Subcommittee on Airland Forces, examined the numerous problems facing Hamid Karzai’s government. His speech covered the challenges of a resurgent Taliban and a rampant drug trade and the need for NATO to increase their commitments in Afghanistan.

Joseph Lieberman is serving his fourth term in the United States Senate. He is one of Congress’s most influential voices on security issues. He was the Senate’s leading champion of legislation creating the Department of Homeland Security and has been at the forefront of efforts not only to increase our investment in defense, but to transform our armed forces to better meet the threats of the 21st Century. Senator Lieberman has also been a strong and consistent advocate for using America’s military to defend America’s interests and values when they are seriously endangered.

Brookings President Strobe Talbott provided introductory remarks. After the program, Senator Lieberman took audience questions in a session moderated by Senior Fellow Michael O’Hanlon.

Remarks as prepared for delivery »