James B. Cunningham: “The ultimate expression of political power in this country comes not from the branches of our government and those that…”

The challenges are considerable, but Afghanistan's political class must understand that the opportunity today afforded Afghanistan is unique and must not be squandered if Afghanistan is to be seen as worthy of continued international…

I would--I would think it is important to get to a cease-fire as quickly as possible, particularly given the ongoing campaign against Afghan civilians being waged by the Taliban.

But they will be--I think they will be successful in establishing--reestablishing a legitimate political authority in Afghanistan as a result of the exercise of the voting franchise by the Afghan people.

An agreement which fails in fact to open the way to peace for Afghanistan will be a defeat for U.S. leadership and values.