U.S. policy for Afghanistan: Reassessing strategies

As Congress contemplates re-authorization of the Afghanistan Freedom Support Act, as well as budgetary and supplemental support for reconstruction effort and military efforts, a critical juncture has been reached. Issues regarding the U.S.’s strategy for Afghanistan have been discussed at numerous hearings sponsored by both House and Senate committees. The Afghanistan Advocacy Group, a national nonpartisan network of Afghan-American and American professionals and activists, will host a timely forum on Capitol Hill on this topic. The forum will focus upon AAG’s recommendations on policies and programs for Afghanistan, based on the practical “on the ground” experience of many members and strengthened by advice of experts in the U.S. who understand both cultures.

Date: Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Time: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Followed by lunch and Q&A
Location: Rayburn B-338 Conference Room
RSVP: Please confirm your participation by contacting
info@afghanistanadvocacygroup.org by noon on Monday, March 17.

What has been missing in the dialogue on the Hill regarding these issues since 9/11 is the voice of Afghan-Americans. This group has been an underutilized asset in policymakers’ understanding of the challenges in Afghanistan, as well as possible approaches to improving efforts to bring about security and economic development. As productive and concerned citizens of the U.S., whose native country is Afghanistan, Afghan-Americans provide a unique perspective. AAG’s goal is to bring that perspective to Capitol Hill and share it with Hill offices in a constructive and concise way. AAG participants and supporters will participate in a “Capitol Hill Walk” after the event, stopping by all Members’ offices in the House of Representatives on relevant committees to provide AAG’s Policy Brief and to show support for continued U.S. assistance for Afghanistan. The walk will begin at Room B-339 at 1:30 p.m. and will take approximately one hour.
The goal of the event and such information sharing is to add value to the process of reassessing AFSA and other legislation related to Afghanistan and the war against terror and identifying ways in which to improve the effectiveness of U.S. funding for Afghanistan.

The objective of the Afghanistan Advocacy Group is to serve as a platform in order to advance dialogue between concerned citizens and U.S. and Afghan policymakers on development and security in Afghanistan. AAG has been building a network of professionals and activists from across the U.S. who can provide constructive recommendations on programs and reforms needed to achieve stability and economic and social development in Afghanistan.