ND Expert: Strategy for moving forward is most important factor in Afghanistan withdrawal | News | Notre Dame News | University of Notre Dame Skip To Content Skip To Navigation Skip To Search University of Notre Dame Notre Dame News Experts ND in the News Subscribe About Us Home Contact Search Menu Home › News › ND Expert: Strategy for moving forward is most important factor in Afghanistan withdrawal ND Expert: Strategy for moving forward is most important factor in Afghanistan withdrawal Published: June 21, 2011 Author: Shannon Roddel As President Obama prepares to announce plans to withdraw from Afghanistan, David Cortright, director of policy studies at the University of Notre Dame’s Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, says the strategy going forward is more important than the number of troops that will depart. Author of “Ending Obama’s War: Responsible Military Withdrawal from Afghanistan,” Cortright hopes Obama announces a plan for assuring that Afghanistan does not descend into civil war or succumb to Taliban takeover as U.S. forces depart, as well as how the U.S. can uphold human rights and preserve the gains of Afghan women. “Demilitarizing the conflict in Afghanistan is necessary, but military withdrawal by itself is not sufficient,” Cortright says. “The military drawdown must be linked to an alternative strategy that prioritizes political negotiation, interim security protection, continued social development, and diplomatic cooperation among neighboring states.” Cortright says a critical unanswered question is how to avoid a security vacuum as U.S. forces leave. “International experts have proposed an enforcement mechanism or interim security force to protect civilians and enforce a negotiated ceasefire,” he says. “Taliban leaders have proposed a ‘Muslim-led’ force and have vowed not to attack it. This idea deserves serious consideration. “Equally important is ensuring that Afghan women are not thrown under the bus as U.S. forces leave,” he continues. “The women of Afghanistan are demanding meaningful representation in all peace discussions, including negotiations with the Taliban. The U.S. and its allies must pledge to provide continued funding for programs to provide schooling, health care and development opportunities for Afghan women and men. Cortright testified last month in Washington about the effect of the war on Afghan women. The author or editor of 17 books, Cortright has advised various agencies of the United Nations, the Carnegie Commission on Preventing Deadly Conflict, the International Peace Academy and the MacArthur Foundation. Media Advisory: Cortright’s comments may be used in whole or in part. He is available for interviews and can be reached at 574-631-8536 or dcortrig@nd.edu Posted In: International Home Experts ND in the News Subscribe About Us Related September 30, 2022 Nanovic Institute to welcome former President of Croatia Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović September 29, 2022 Notre Dame, Ukrainian Catholic University launch three new research grants September 27, 2022 Notre Dame, Trinity College Dublin engineers join to advance novel treatment for cystic fibrosis September 14, 2022 Apostolic nuncio to Great Britain to deliver the 2022 Keeley Vatican Lecture September 12, 2022 Can you tell me how to get to Sesame Street … in different countries? For the Media Contact Office of Public Affairs and Communications Notre Dame News 500 Grace Hall Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube Pinterest © 2022 University of Notre Dame Search Mobile App News Events Visit Accessibility Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube LinkedIn