In the lead-up to next month’s national elections in Afghanistan, democracy advocate and former Afghan government official Nargis Nehan visited campus last month to deliver two Project Afghanistan lectures. Before addressing students, Nehan sat down with President Jeffrey Herbst to discuss the current state of Afghan politics, drug policy, the country’s position as a buffer between rival powers, America’s post-conflict role in Afghan redevelopment, and more.
Watch a clip above, then visit our YouTube channel for the full interview.
Nehan currently serves as executive director and founder of Equality for Peace and Democracy, a nongovernmental organization advocating equal rights for all citizens in her home country. Previously, she held senior-level positions in Afghanistan’s ministries of finance, higher education, and women’s affairs. More recently, she was appointed as the first female member of the Supreme Council of Afghanistan’s Central Bank. She is also a board member of the Electoral Support Organization of Afghanistan.
Nehan’s visit was cosponsored by the Center for Freedom and Western Civilization; Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies; Peace and Conflict Studies; Women’s Studies; and the Lampert Institute.