What We’re Reading Now
Jun 23, 2011

AFGHANISTAN
Obama announces plan to bring home 33,000 ‘surge’ troops from Afghanistan
Scott Wilson, Washington Post- June 23, 2011
President Obama charted a middle course Wednesday for ending the U.S. military involvement in Afghanistan, outlining a departure plan that will remove troops faster than his commanders had requested but more slowly than many of his political allies would like.

Drawing Down, With a Vigilant Eye on Pakistan
David E. Sanger, New York Times- June 23, 2011
Hours after the Sept. 11 attacks, Pakistan’s leaders were given an ultimatum by the Bush administration: Because the looming war in Afghanistan could not be won without Pakistan’s help, Islamabad would have to choose between continuing its alliance with the Taliban or joining forces with the United States.

PAKISTAN
The radicalization of Pakistan’s military
Fareed Zakaria, Washington Post- June 22, 2011
Whatever their strength, American troops will not determine success in Afghanistan. Nor will the newly formed Afghan National Army. As U.S. forces are gradually withdrawn over the next three years, it is Pakistan’s 600,000-strong army that will become the dominant military force in the region and will try to shape its future.