How regime change can work

By: Zalmay Khalilzad During last year’s presidential candidate debates, hopefuls from both parties dismissed the idea of removing Syrian President Bashar al-Assad from power. But they did not stop there — they also questioned the idea of regime change as an instrument of U.S. foreign policy, arguing that the lesson of interventions in Iraq and Libya is that overthrowing dictators risks protracted …

Pakistan Holds The Key To Peace In Afghanistan

By: Zalmay Khalilzad & Jim Dobbins During his most recent visit to Kabul, Pakistani army chief Gen. Raheel Sharif promised Afghan leaders that he would press Pakistan-based Taliban leaders to resume peace talks and take action against those who resort to terrorism and violence. Against the backdrop of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani’s friendly visit to Islamabad earlier this month, Sharif’s announcement has raised hopes …

The War Against ISIS After Ramadi

By: Zalmay Khalilzad If history is any indication, even the most promising news from Iraq must be celebrated with caution. But the liberation of the heart of Ramadi, if consolidated, can offer lessons for long-term strategic successes in Iraq and for broader campaign against ISIS. While the outcome in Ramadi is a positive development, a great deal remains to be accomplished. …