Karl Eikenberry: “I believe the course the President outlined offers the best path to stabilize Afghanistan and to ensure al-Qaeda cannot…”

It's essential that the Government of Afghanistan has a capable army that is able to reach throughout the country.

There is a balance here. It's the absence of a coherent state of Afghanistan that paved the way for the rise of the Taliban and then facilitated the entry of al Qaeda.

We need a strong cadre of Americans in our Government, military, business, civil society, academe, and beyond who have the right skills and experience to help America stay connected with the world and shape outcomes that secure our…

We and our international partners must implement a thoughtful civilian strategy that strengthens effective government services and builds a stable coalition.