From Afghanistan to the Middle East: Implications of the U.S. Withdrawal and Taliban Victory

[Valin]

Washington Institute Near East Policy

Aug 19 2021

The rapid U.S. withdrawal and the Taliban’s swift overthrow of the Afghan government have sent shockwaves around the world. This is especially the case in the Middle East, where the departure raises questions not only about U.S. commitments and credibility, but also about the possible upsurge of radical jihadists and other foes across the region.

To discuss the implications of the Afghan collapse and the Taliban’s seizure of power for U.S. interests in the Middle East, The Washington Institute is pleased to announce a virtual Policy Forum with Patrick Clawson, Kathryn Wheelbarger, and Aaron Y. Zelin.

Patrick Clawson is the Morningstar Senior Fellow and director of research at the Institute, where he specializes in Iranian affairs.

Kathryn Wheelbarger, the Institute’s Rosenblatt Visiting Fellow, focuses on U.S. security and defense policy in the Middle East. From 2017 to 2020, she served as acting assistant secretary of defense for international security affairs.

Aaron Y. Zelin, the Institute’s Richard Borow Fellow, is an expert on global jihadist movements. His publications include the 2020 book Your Sons Are at Your Service: Tunisia’s Missionaries of Jihad (Columbia University Press).