To achieve its goal of greater understanding of
Afghanistan and its significance to U.S. interests, the Foundation
has sponsored a forum series
on Capitol Hill. Prominent Afghans and
American policymakers, the media, scholars, business people, and
members of the humanitarian aid community have participated and
attended. The series has provided the Foundation with the reputation
and stature necessary to proceed with its plans to work with key
congressional staff to organize hearings on Afghanistan.
The forums allow expression of differing perspectives and
a healthy exchange of ideas and information on Afghanistan. Media
coverage of the forum series helped to put us "on the map" in that
part of the world. After the October 29 forum, a panelist informed
us that coverage of the event broadcast by the press to Afghanistan
and Pakistan had been received enthusiastically.
In 1998 the Foundation sponsored the following forums:
- March 2: Aid delivery and women's and human rights
after earthquakes in Afghanistan.
- March 12: The plight of ethnic and religious minorities
with Commander Husain Anwari.
- March 31: Steve Skakel, Humanitarian Relief Director,
AmeriCares.
- June 30: Current issues and drug trade briefing
featuring Commander Ahmadullah Wijdani.
- August 19: Intra-Afghan Dialouge.
- October 29: The Afghan Tinderbox - Policy Implications
for the U.S. role in the region.
Forums are followed by luncheons to provide greater
opportunity for discussion among guests. Forum attendance averages
75-100 people, including policy experts, media, international aid
and human rights organizations, congressional staff and
Administration officials.
