A Conversation with:
Mr. Shuja Nawaz
Distinguished Fellow, South Asia Center
Atlantic Council

Dr. Vali Nasr
Dean, Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies

Moderated by:
The Honorable James B. Cunningham
Senior Fellow and Khalilzad Chair, South Asia Center
Atlantic Council

The complex relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan is an ongoing source of instability in the South Asia region. Only this past spring, the first round of discussions between representatives of the Afghan government and the Taliban leadership gave even skeptics some reason to hope that President Ghani’s efforts to open talks with the Taliban on peace might come to fruition.  After a period of improved contacts and rhetoric, relations between the Afghan and Pakistani governments have again become strained under the burden of high profile Taliban attacks under the new leader, Mullah Mansour.  A lasting substantial dialogue between Afghanistan and Pakistan remains difficult to achieve, but necessary for stability and for both countries.  With the arrival of Pakistani PM Nawaz Sharif in Washington later this month, the panelists will explore the challenges faced by the Pakistani leadership, the prospects for its relationship with the Afghan National Unity Government, and the implications for the US- Pakistan relationship.