Engaging one's mind

There are so many low cost and free cultural and educational opportunities in the Washington area, and I sometimes feel there is much I don't want to miss out on.

Last night was one of those times. The Washington National Cathedral sponsors many different events throughout the year: musical, inspirational, environmental, as well as discussions on world events. Wednesday evening at the Cathedral, I attended the Ignatius Program which involved a discussion of the situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The panel discussion was moderated by Adi Ignatius, editor-in-chief of Harvard Business Review (the program series is in honor of his parents and their support of the National Cathedral). Speakers included Senator John Kerry, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Rory Stewart, author of The Places in Between about his walk across Afghanistan, and Husain Haqqani, Pakistani Ambassador to the U.S.

I don't know about you but I have been thoroughly confused about the U.S. goals in Afghanistan -- what exactly are we trying to achieve? It has seemed for years like a hopeless situation that only puts U.S., and other country's, service people in dire places and extreme danger. And with General McChrystal asking for more troups in order to achieve success in Afghanistan, I've wondered exactly what that success is.

If you've read anything about Afghanistan, you are aware of the warring factions, the tribalism, the remote protected compounds, the poverty, the lack of education, and the often-treacherous terrain in which tribes and remote villages are separated from each other.

It was educational, intellectually-stimulating and enlightening to hear the perspectives of the three speakers. There is no conclusion on what should happen there. It depends of course on one's perspective and whether the U.S. should operate in the best interest of the Afghani people, of the United States, of a military situation that we're now 9 years into, or in consideration of how the U.S. is viewed by other countries around the world.

I am currently reading Rory Stewart's book about his walk across Afghanistan, and I have great admiration for the work he and the nonprofit organization he established are currently doing in that country to help where the government isn't or can't. His position is that the country needs to be left in the hands of the Afghanis and the U.S. should not commit more troops. It only prolongs the Afghanistan government NOT taking responsibility for their own country. His description made me think of the U.S. acting as a "helicopter parent," rather than the child taking responsibility for his own actions.

An intriguing question from the Pakistani ambassador: Why do Americans (the U.S. government) feel they have to fix things in all parts of the world? Why do Americans feel they have to fix radical Islam?

Senator Kerry's major question of the decision-makers -- and he's going on a fact-finding mission to Afghanistan next week -- is, "What is possible in Afghanistan? and Why is it important for the U.S. to be in Afghanistan?"

Sidenote: Chris Cuomo of ABC News has provided excellent daily reports this week on Good Morning America from Afghanistan about the people and the U.S. servicemen and women.

Another recommended must read: Three Cups of Tea by John Mortenson This gives an amazing perspective on the people of Pakistan and Afghanistan and Mr. Mortenson's efforts to educate children who are not being served by the countries in which they live.


Reminder to self (and others): take advantage of the lectures and seminars that are available all over the Washington area. You might learn something and open your own thinking about the world.