Ahmed Rashid, acclaimed author and Central Asia expert, warns that NATO is currently losing the war in Afghanistan for a variety of reasons: the Taliban have become a regional phenomenon; there has been an explosion in Taliban recruitment from multiple countries; the tactics of the Taliban have become more extreme; civilian agencies have become paralyzed; and drugs run rampant due to lack of agricultural investment.
Western strategy is ineffective, and transatlantic allies must change course. Mr. Rashid emphasizes that the solution to the crisis in Afghanistan needs to incorporate local actors. Along with India and the countries of Central Asia, Iran must play a critical role in any solution. Therefore, the United States cannot continue to exclude and ignore Iran: both countries need to talk, despite America's qualms to do so.
