XXVII. Commentary-The Road Ahead in Afghanistan: James Terry

• Author: James Terry
• Pages: 455

Today I will offer a series of observations on actions we must consider as the United States moves to the road ahead in Afghanistan. Winning the war on terrorism requires that we approach this complex problem in a multifaceted way. We must cultivate counter-terrorism cooperation on a regional basis as well as on an individual state basis for it is only through such cooperation that we can be successful.

Using all instruments of power available, we must stimulate an increased political will to act on the part of states on the front lines in this war on terrorism. We must enhance our public diplomacy efforts and economic support to stimulate religious and social institutions, especially educational institutions, to be more responsive and responsible in the education of their future citizens.

We must further, across the reaches of the US Government, enhance our image and our relationship with the Muslim population, at home and abroad.

1. James Terry, a retired Marine Colonel, serves as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Regional, Global and Functional Affairs in the Bureau of Legislative Affairs within the US Department of State. The views expressed in these remarks are the views of the author alone.

   Of critical importance in these efforts is our focus on non heavy-handed,

   American aid to countries struggling with the difficulty of dealing with the conditions that foster the development of terrorism. In these efforts, we can not be seen as unilateralists but instead must be seen as partners in the global effort to address these issues. We must foster the development of greater cooperative action, including the effective exchange of information, especially among Muslim states. This has occurred most recently with Morocco, a country with which the United States did not have as developed a relationship before the events of September 1 th.

   We must share the best counter-terrorism laws, regulations, and treaties we can develop with these states in an effort to aid them in the development of similar laws. We must create effective agreements between states for law enforcement operations so as to ensure that terrorists captured abroad are subject to extradition. And we must enhance cooperation in our nation's intelligence gathering and' sharing, much as has been done since September 11th, with countries like Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.

   Regional training programs and bilateral programs designed to enhance forensic law enforcement and legal...