Northern Alliance Commentary

A Meaningless Election

The winner of the Afghan presidential elections won't matter. To stabilize the country, we should instead talk to the most important political force in Pashtun areas—the Taliban.

Moscow's Iran Connection

Russia and Iran have a very close relationship. To get Moscow’s help in curbing Tehran’s nuclear ambitions, we need to offer the Russians something in return.

Suppliant for Supplies?

America’s supply routes to Afghanistan just suffered a huge blow. Will we have to negotiate with Iran and Russia to continue the war?

Kabul Goes Tribal

The best way to solve insurgency issues in Afghanistan is to adopt policies that succeeded in Iraq—work with local tribal leaders instead of nation building.

Finding the Exit

Working with local tribes in Iraq and Afghanistan has yielded encouraging results so far. Continuing this approach holds the greatest promise for stabilizing those two countries and reducing the role of U.S. troops.

One Man's Terrorist is Another's Diplomat

Putting new sanctions on Iran’s Revolutionary Guards and Quds Force is intended to get Tehran to back down in Iraq and suspend its uranium enrichment. However, the measure could lead to some unintended consequences.

A 'Peace Mission' Without the West?

Are the joint military exercises between Russia and China confirmation of A World Without the West? Also, further thoughts from 

Afghanistan, Five Years and Counting

Despite its conflicts, Afghanistan appears unlikely to break apart or dissolve—it is not the former Yugoslavia or Iraq. But when things start to go bad in Afghanistan, they do so quickly.

The U.S., the Muslim World and Iran

Muslims, especially those in the Middle East, attribute many of their problems (dictatorial regimes, regional turmoil and economic failure) to the U.

The Eurasian Dream

Putin apparently views George W.

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May 26, 2012