The Remembrance Society was honored to co-host a panel discussion bringing together distinguished military leaders, diplomats, and scholars to examine Afghanistan’s enduring geopolitical significance and the lessons that continue to shape today’s geopolitical environment.
A central theme of the evening was that the American presence in Afghanistan with a trillion dollars worth of forward operating bases, and a 512 mile border with Iran, allowing for Iranian resistance boots on the ground, would have markedly affected the U.S. ability to win the war with Iran.
Dr. Anna Borshchevskaya opened the evening by examining how the Soviet invasion and occupation laid the foundation for many of Afghanistan’s enduring challenges. She also analyzed Russia’s evolving relationship with the Taliban, explaining how Moscow’s current approach differs from its Cold War posture and advances Russian interests while challenging those of the United States and its allies.
Ambassador Ali Ahmad Jalali provided a comprehensive assessment of Afghanistan’s political and strategic evolution, discussing the Soviet legacy, Pakistan’s role in cultivating the Taliban, and the strengths and shortcomings of the post-9/11 reconstruction effort.
Lt. Gen. Haibatullah Alizai offered firsthand insight into the operational realities faced by the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces. He highlighted the critical role of the Afghan Special Forces in leading combat operations, discussed the factors behind the rapid collapse of the ANDSF, and examined Pakistan’s influence during the Taliban’s final offensive.