Negotiating with the Taliban: a conversation we never had

Hosted by: Access and the AIIA Victoria

The event will start on: Wednesday, 29 September 2010 6:00 PM

And will end on: Wednesday, 29 September 2010 7:30 PM

At Dyason House

124 Jolimont Road East , Melbourne Victoria

(03) 9654 7271     events.vic@aiia.asn.au

Posted by: Daniel Wilson   

An ACCESS event open to all:

In the September issue of Quarterly Access, Jason Thomas argues that if success in Afghanistan means “leaving behind a free and open democracy, the elimination of corruption, respect for human rights and an economy not based on the export of opium, then we will be severely disappointed”. He calls on leaders in Australia to be more honest in their description of the situation in Afghanistan, arguing, “It is important for Australians to be given a frank description of the complexities faced by the Australian soldiers and Coalition Forces”.

Following an election campaign in which both major parties barely explored foreign policy, a debate about the conflict in Afghanistan is overdue. Jason Thomas offers an honest but challenging perspective as he explores the mindset of the insurgent and the circumstances faced by Afghan society and Australian troops.

During his time in Afghanistan, Jason was targeted three times by IEDs, came under 15 rocket attacks and had a bounty placed on his head by the former Governor of Ghazni.  A lasting memory he takes away from his time there, is negotiating with senior Taliban commanders who said, “You can trust us - we will not kill you.” He has completed an eight-month mission in Afghanistan as the Regional Manager for a USAID implementing partner. The role involved delivering counterinsurgency operations with US and Coalition Forces in three Provinces in Afghanistan - Ghazni, Wardak and Logar.

Before Afghanistan, Jason had worked in the civil war area in Sri Lanka after establishing one of the largest private responses to the Boxing Day Tsunami in Victoria, Australia. This also involved negotiating with the Tamil Tigers and being the first Westerner allowed by the GOSL into the high security zones following the end of the civil war last year.

He has worked as Director of Research in the New Zealand Parliament for ACT New Zealand, political advisor in the House of Commons and House of Lords, London and as well as being political strategist for CEOs and Boards of Australian ASX 100 companies. He was Queen's Relay Baton Runner for the 2006 Commonwealth Games, nominated for Citizen of the Year in 2005 and awarded a Paul Harris Fellow in 2006.

Download our flyer in printer-friendly pdf format from the link below:

 ACCESS event: Jason Thomas (143.46 kB)

Tickets payable at the door :

• Students                         Free presentation on current student card
• All others                        $20