Mar 30, 2009


The Mansfield Center at the University of Montana brought together a group of experts from the Middle East, Asia and the United States to examine the future of the Middle East and the national strategic implications for U.S.foreign policy in the new administration. The conference took place in Missoula, Montanaon March 4,5 and 6 and was titled: New Avenues for U.S. Middle East Policy.

Mr. Hekmat Karzai participated in the conference and was a speaker at a panel titled: Disengagement or Limited Reengagement?  The U.S.Foreign Policy Toward Iraq and Afghanistan Through the Lens of Cultural Challenges.

Mr. Karzai in his address highlighted five reasons as to why it is in the national interest of the United States to remain engaged in Afghanistan:a) The strategic location of Afghanistanb) Natural ally of the West c) Potential Breeding Ground for Terror Organizations d) Drug trafficking e) Moral responsibility.

A subsequent closed-door retreat was also held for policy makers where the participants held candid discussions on key threats the United States faces and also what avenues the United States should follow for a better engagement with the Greater Middle East.

During the trip, Mr. Karzai also had several interview with local and international media.  His interview with Al Jazeera English on the upcoming can viewed by clicking on the links below:

Part One

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqQQo2baw-4&feature=channel_page 

Part Two

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_vIQ7l6h1Q&feature=channel_page