Afghanistan Study Group Releases Final Report

Bipartisan, Congressionally Mandated Study Group Unveils Recommendations for U.S. Strategy in Afghanistan

Afghanistan’s 40-year conflict has entered a new and potentially final phase. A real opportunity to reach a peaceful resolution now exists, and the United States can play a key role in determining whether this opportunity is realized. A responsible and coherent set of U.S. actions could greatly increase the chances of a sustainable peace agreement. But a rash and rushed approach could further prolong this long and tragic war—with negative consequences for the region and heightened threats to the security and interests of the United States and its allies.

Over the past 10 months, the Afghanistan Study Group has been exploring options for effective U.S. action in Afghanistan. The bipartisan study group, convened by USIP at the request of Congress, brought together distinguished experts and former policymakers to develop policy recommendations that consider how a peace settlement—or the failure to reach one—could affect Afghanistan’s future as well as U.S. resources and commitments in the region.

On February 3, USIP hosted the co-chairs of the Afghanistan Study Group for a discussion of the group’s findings and the report’s recommendations for how the United States can fully align our policies, practices, and messaging across diplomatic, military, and assistance efforts toward the overarching goal of achieving a durable and just peace in Afghanistan.

Speakers:

The Honorable Stephen J. Hadley, Chair, Board of Directors, U.S. Institute of Peace

Framing Remarks and Moderated Discussion

Senator Kelly A. Ayotte

Co-Chair, Afghanistan Study Group

General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr.

Co-Chair, Afghanistan Study Group

The Honorable Nancy Lindborg

Co-Chair, Afghanistan Study Group

David Ignatius, moderator

Columnist, The Washington Post

For more information about this event, please visit

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The United States Institute of Peace is a national, nonpartisan, independent institute, founded by Congress and dedicated to the proposition that a world without violent conflict is possible, practical, and essential for U.S. and global security. In conflict zones abroad, the Institute works with local partners to prevent, mitigate, and resolve violent conflict. To reduce future crises and the need for costly interventions, USIP works with governments and civil societies to help their countries solve their own problems peacefully. The Institute provides expertise, training, analysis, and support to those who are working to build a more peaceful, inclusive world.