Afghanistan: The Way Ahead

The Marine Corps University cordially invites you to attend a one-day strategic symposium on 21 April 2010 entitled “Emerald Express Strategic Symposium, Afghanistan: The Way Ahead.” Bringing together world-renowned practitioners and scholars to Gray Research Center, MCB Quantico, the symposium will feature His Excellency Jilani Popal, Director of Independent Directorate of Local Government in Afghanistan. (A complete agenda is available on the registration website.)

Since the Marine Corps is a major player in NATO’s United Nations-mandated International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) southern commands, comprising all or parts of six provinces in southwestern Afghanistan, Marine Corps University is hosting this symposium to improve our understanding of this region, to focus on the multidimensional and multinational approaches to enable the USMC and partners to succeed in the historical and ideological birthplace of the Taliban Movement; the current stronghold of the insurgency of Afghanistan; and the epicenter of opium cultivation in the world. The purpose of this one-day symposium will be to understand the integration of all inter-agency elements of national power in the pursuit of national security objectives as it pertains to USMC forces at the operational level.

This symposium will consist of four panels designed around improving our understanding of the Marine Corps Area of Operation, Afghanistan; which include (1) a geographical, cultural and historical overview of Southern Afghanistan; (2) Transitioning Military Authority to the ANSF; (3) governing Afghanistan: district councils, development and judicial reform; (4) and defining, dealing and defeating the Neo-Taliban and their message.

This event is sponsored by the Marine Corps University and the Marine Corps University Foundation. Space is limited, so you are encouraged to register as soon as possible. To register, please go to: http://www.regonline.com/ee2010.