In the wake of the successful 2004 Afghan presidential election, some have suggested that the U.S. role in Central Asia will diminish. Rather than diverting resources from the region, however, the United States has confirmed a long-term partnership with the new Afghan government. Military and security cooperation between the two countries has been expanding and is integral to the war on terror. In addition, the U.S.-Afghan partnership will be the center of a regional economic integration initiative.

AEI is pleased to host the Honorable Zalmay Khalilzad, U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan and special presidential envoy to Afghanistan, to deliver a speech on The U.S.–Afghan Partnership: Toward a Regional Transformation.