October 13, 2008
H.E. Ambassador Zahir Tanin was invited to address students and faculty from the Whitehead School of Diplomacy and International Relations at Seton Hall University on Monday. After a lunch with the Dean of the Whitehead School, Ambassador John K. Menzies, and interested faculty, he spoke to a group of interested students about the relationship between Afghanistan and the international community.

Ambassador Tanin discussed the troubled history of Afghanistan and the important coordinating role played by the United Nations as well as describing the crucial partnerships with the international community that are assisting in securing and rebuilding the country. He mentioned many successes of the effort, but also discussed the undeniable challenges that still remain. He stressed that the war against terrorism taking place in Afghanistan was necessary for the safety, not just of Afghanistan, but of the region and the world. He also reminded the students that the Taliban were fighting to weaken the resolve of Afghans and of the international community, and that they must not be allowed to succeed. He then took questions from the students, on topics including counter-narcotics, the fight against extremist religious ideology, women’s rights and the relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan.