Wednesday, September 16, 2009

A Real Examination of A-Stan Strategy

Looks like John Kerry may be a better Senator than Presidential candidate. Well, that would not be too hard. But he held hearings on Afghanistan and asked really good questions of three distinct experts. See here. If only Canada could have such an informed discussion. Instead, heads are mostly in the sand as folks inside the government don't want to talk about it at all. PM Harper did say that Canada still intends to do development stuff and more civilian activities as it pulls back militarily. Not what US wants to hear, but I don't think Obama is going to piss all over Canada as the previous admin did over Iraq. And that is what I said on CBC Montreal radio today.

On the other hand, really good discussion about Afghanistan in Montreal tonight with an American and an Afghan (or Canadian/Afghan). There is a really interesting program, the Sauve scholars, affiliated at McGill, that brings in 13 or so young (under 30) people with amazing backgrounds and incredible aspirations. I am a mentor to one of the folks there and my department is over-represented among the mentors (4 of 13). So, I went to the reception, met the Principal (equal to University President), and got a tour of an amazing building--the residence of the scholars and the base of the foundation. Very impressive.

Should be an interesting year.

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