Experts

Michael Kugelman

Deputy Director and Senior Associate for South Asia

“This is a landmark deal. It brings Afghanistan closer than ever before to launching a formal peace process to end an interminable war. The US and the Taliban had a long and fraught negotiation. But as tough as it was, the next step will be even harder. A formal peace process will require a deeply divided Afghan political class to come together with a common vision toward peace, and the Taliban will need to agree to share power within a political system it has long rejected. In effect, the US-Taliban deal was the low-hanging fruit. Now the hard work begins.”

Abraham Denmark

Director, Asia Program

The 21st century will be defined by what happens in Asia. It is the source of incredible economic growth and tremendous upward potential, but is also riven with uncertainty, tension, and competition.