Welcome to Episode 72 of The Afghanistan Project, where we cover all topics related to two decades of war in Afghanistan, and the fallout of our Afghanistan withdrawal.

Today’s guest is Jason Howk, a veteran of the U.S. Army who was involved firsthand in key periods of our twenty-year effort to bring peace and stability to Afghanistan.

Our discussion revolves around the reasons that an incoming Trump Administration should be concerned about the status quo in Afghanistan, which include the growth of terrorism, gross violations of human rights, and the economic promise within Afghanistan that is now being realized by the Chinese.

Jason gives a handful of policy recommendations, including empowering Afghan leaders who could provide a stable future for a country currently in turmoil and ensuring that any future efforts are Afghan-led.

Jason concludes with a plea about the vital importance of addressing the suicide epidemic within the veteran community.

About Jason Howk and Global Friends of Afghanistan:

Find Jason on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jason_c_howk

Find Global Friends of Afghanistan at their website, https://www.globalfriendsofafghanistan.org/

Follow GFA on Twitter https://twitter.com/GFAfghanistan

Or on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-friends-of-afghanistan-gfa/

About the host:

Beth Bailey worked in support of Afghanistan operations as a civilian intelligence analyst for the Department of the Army between 2010 and 2013. She is a freelance contributor to Fox News Digital and the Washington Examiner. Follow her on Instagram or X ⁠@BWBailey85⁠.

For Afghan listeners:

If you would like to have your story considered for a future episode, please send us a letter about your experiences to our show e-mail address, [email protected].