• Policy Outlook

Gambling on Reconciliation to Save a Transition: Perils and Possibilities in Afghanistan

• Ashley J. Tellis
• December 02, 2011

The Obama administration is supporting political reconciliation between the Taliban and coalition forces in Afghanistan in order to safeguard the upcoming security transition, but numerous challenges still loom.

• TV/Radio Broadcast

Relationship Sours After Airstrikes In Pakistan

• Stephen Tankel
• November 29, 2011
• NPR's Talk of the Nation

Although an investigation is underway to determine why NATO coalition forces in Afghanistan fired on two Pakistani army bases, killing 24 Pakistani soldiers, the event has already struck a blow to the struggling U.S.-Pakistan alliance.

• Testimony

Negotiations Cannot Solve Afghanistan's Problems

• Ashley J. Tellis
• November 03, 2011
• November 3

The United States should stop emphasizing talks with the Quetta shura and the Haqqani network as the solution to Afghanistan’s problems. The insurgency has virtually no incentive to negotiate when its adversaries are headed for the exit.

• Op-Ed

Evolution of al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula

• Christopher Boucek
• November 01, 2011
• Orient IV

In order to improve security and stability in Yemen, U.S. policy should focus on addressing the systemic sources of instability in the country.

• Q&A

Yemen After Saleh’s Return and Awlaki’s Exit

• Christopher Boucek
• October 27, 2011

While recent U.S. drone strikes in Yemen have been successful, Washington can’t rely on a remote control to defeat terrorism. Improving governance and the lives of Yemenis will do more to reduce violence than drones ever will.

• Event

Pervez Musharraf on U.S.–Pakistan Relations

• George Perkovich, Pervez Musharraf
• October 26, 2011
• Washington, D.C.
• Event Transcript

Former president Pervez Musharraf addressed the history of U.S.–Pakistan relations, recent tensions between the two countries, and his vision of the way forward.

Managing Frenemies: What Should the United States Do About Pakistan?

• Ashley J. Tellis
• October 24, 2011
• CERI Strategy Papers

Washington may not be able to effect the Pakistani policies it wants without moving into a more transaction-based framework for U.S.-Pakistani relations.

• TV/Radio Broadcast

The Haqqani Network and Pakistani Intelligence

• Stephen Tankel
• October 04, 2011
• C-SPAN's Washington Journal

While Pakistan may be using the Afghan insurgency in order to improve its own strategic position in Afghanistan, it remains unclear how much direct control it exerts over insurgent groups like the Haqqani network.

• TV/Radio Broadcast

India and Afghanistan's Strategic Agreement

• Ashley J. Tellis
• October 04, 2011
• Background Briefing with Ian Masters

India and Afghanistan's new strategic security agreement may be aimed at persuading Pakistan to stop supporting forces fighting the Afghan government, but it not likely to be a precursor to Indian troops on Afghan soil.

• Op-Ed

Who Benefits from US Aid?

• S. Akbar Zaidi
• September 30, 2011
• Dawn

While Pakistan has always been dependent on foreign aid, U.S. aid to the Pakistani military has served to strengthen their power in Pakistan’s political economy, giving them the ability to sidestep the elected civilian government.