Special Envoy to Afghanistan & Pakistan Marc Grossman in Conversation

Special Envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan Marc Grossman was in conversation with Ken Furst at the World Affairs Council 87^th Annual dinner meeting, in Springfield, Massachusetts, 7 October 2013. Mr Furst, a former president of the World Affairs Council engaged the former Special Envoy in an important exchange of questions and answers regarding Afghanistan and Pakistan. They enlightened the audience on a bevy of topics concerning the past and current situation in both regions. During Mr Grossman’s thirty-years of experience in the US Diplomatic Corps, much of his time was spent in these countries.

This particular session was held at the annual business meeting for the World Affairs Council’s local chapter. The house was full, interest piqued, questions pertinent and answers always to the point. Curiosity about the Middle East is on the forefront. America’s involvement in this area heightened through involvement in the wars and conflicts raging over the decades including the recent events in Arab countries. I hesitate to call these recent events an Arab Spring; the situations have passed through the Spring and Summer, in many areas reaching Tsunami proportions. However, Mr Grossman kept to the topic at hand and ably commented about education for girls, the economy in these two particular countries, the elections in Afghanistan including Hamid Karsi’s negative remarks toward the US, in addition to being quite frank about the difficulty in dealing with cultures so entrenched in tribalism, while at the same time being conflicted about national identities. He pointed out the variety of problems arising in attempting to bring about the stability in which we in the West are fortunate to live.

He appeared hopeful that these countries would establish their own stability without the aid of American troops. While not speaking for the President’s plans for final troop withdrawal he personally prefers to see a small contingent remaining to give the Afghanis a last boost of assistance in their quest toward stability.

Mr Grossman entertained many questions from the audience all of which he answered with sincerity based on his personal knowledge. The evening proved to be informative and interesting. Since returning to the States from the Middle East, I am thankful that such an organization exists and that so many Americans exhibit enough concern to join in conversation on international affairs. The organizers of the event and the Council deserve thanks for their tremendous efforts in bringing it about as do those who gave their time and curiosity to attend. Finally it was a coup to garner Marc Grossman as speaker for this event. The World Affairs Council, a national organization, deserves praise for its endeavours in pursuit of bringing the globe home.