The Way Forward in Afghanistan: Embracing Opportunity in the Midst of Transition Since 2001, the United States has been heavily engaged in Afghanistan. The failures of this effort have been well documented, but what has often been overlooked are the immense gains that have been achieved. As Afghanistan enters a turbulent transition period,including presidential elections in April 2014, the ongoing transition from U.S.-led to Afghan-led security operations, and the draw down of U.S. troops, it is important that U.S. policymakers keep the full picture in mind. Calls for the United States to walk away from Afghanistan ignore the progress that has been made, and such a result would be catastrophic for the people of Afghanistan. It would also call into question the last 12 years of U.S.efforts in the country. The New America Foundation and the Alliance in Support of the Afghan People hosted a discussion about the prospects for Afghanistan's future, in light of past progress and upcoming challenges. PARTICIPANTS Haseeb Humayoon Member of Afghanistan 1400 Clare Lockhart President, Institute for State Effectiveness David Sedney Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Central Asia Eleanor Smeal President, Feminist Majority Foundation Moderator: Omar Samad Senior Fellow, New America Foundation newamerica.net/events/2013/the_way_forward_in_afghanistan

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