The Future of South Asian Security

Published January 14, 2021

America has taken a short-term approach to the war in Afghanistan. Misguided beliefs that US economic and military assistance would encourage Pakistan to act against the Taliban informed a flawed policy that allowed the Taliban to regenerate across Afghanistan’s border. As the Taliban continues to strain Afghan security forces and harm civilians, US foreign policy must adopt a sustainable, long-term strategy that holds Pakistan accountable for its destabilizing influence in the region.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does Pakistan’s foreign policy affect Afghanistan’s security?
2. Why is it important that the United States assist in strengthening Afghan security forces?

Additional Resources:

• Read Battlegrounds: The Fight to Defend the Free World, by H. R. McMaster. Learn more here.
• Watch “America’s Longest War and the Prospects for Peace in Afghanistan,” a conversation with H. R. McMaster and Mohammad Haneef Atmar. Available here.
• Listen to “Defending the Free World,” an episode of the GoodFellows podcast with H. R. McMaster. Available here.