Location: The Heritage Foundation's Allison Auditorium

Please join us one week after Afghanistan’s historic presidential elections to discuss the outcome of the vote and its implications for the country’s future. Having commanded over 20,000 U.S. and coalition forces as part of Operation Enduring Freedom from 2003 – 2005, General Barno will provide his thoughts on the current security situation in Afghanistan and what challenges and opportunities lie ahead with regard to achieving stability in the region. Dr. Marvin Weinbaum will also share his insights as an International Election Observer for the August 20 polls. What is at stake for U.S. national security in Afghanistan? What have the elections told us about the progress of democracy in the country? What do they mean for the Taliban and its influence? How can the coalition and Afghan forces retake the initiative from the insurgents, especially in the south and east? To what extent will developments inside neighboring Pakistan determine the course of the conflict in Afghanistan? Our distinguished group of panelists will seek to address these and other issues. We hope you can join us for this timely and informative discussion.