Ambassador Jawad Speaks at World Affairs Council of Northern California
Ambassador Said T. Jawad spoke at the World Affairs Council of Northern California in San Francisco on October 24, discussing Afghanistan's progress over the last seven years and assessing the current security challenges the country faces.
In addressing the rising number of security incidents in Afghanistan in 2008, Ambassador Jawad stated, "There are serious security challenges now...Afghans do not feel safe." He associated the rise in violence to the limited resources available to the government to deliver services; a shortage of security forces, both national and international; a lack of coordination between international partners in Afghanistan and the continued existence of terrorist sanctuaries in neighboring countries.
Ambassador Jawad also stressed the importance of minimizing civilian casualties by relying less on high-altitude bombings and promoted regional diplomacy as a means to address challenges in Afghanistan. He also spoke of successes in the development of the Afghan National Army, which this year reached 76,000 troops and will grow to 135,000 troops in coming years.
In closing, Ambassador Jawad spoke of many of the accomplishments and milestones in Afghanistan over the last seven years, including advances in education, health care, economic development and women's rights.
Ambassador Jawad's speech coincided with the opening of the exhibit "Afghanistan: Hidden Treasures of the National Museum, Kabul" at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco.
To listen Ambassador Jawad's full speech, click here.
To see Ambassador Jawad's Power Point presentation, click here.
Related News: 'Hidden Treasures' Exhibit Opens in San Francisco
