The international community is becoming increasingly focused on the upcoming presidential elections in Afghanistan. However, the success of the elections is threatened by a volatile security environment, a thriving drug trade, and resurgent Taliban and al-Qaeda elements. Mark L. Schneider, Senior Vice President of the International Crisis Group, and David L. Bosco, Staff Editor at Foreign Policy Magazine, have both recently returned from Afghanistan. They will discuss concerns such as the warlords and the virtual failure of DDR, a record production of opium poppies, and rising cross-border attacks by al-Qaeda and Taliban elements. These factors have the potential to affect the legitimacy and outcome of the upcoming elections. The speakers will also discuss U.S. policy options and the potential for achieving credible nationwide elections.
