Our War in Afghanistan - can it be won and, if so, how?

Hosted by: AIIA VIC

The event will start on: Wednesday, 07 July 2010 5:30 PM

And will end on: Wednesday, 07 July 2010 7:00 PM

At Dyason House

124 Jolimont Road East , Melbourne Victoria

03 9654 7271     admin.vic@aiia.asn.au

Posted by: national   

Maj.-General (Retd) Jim Molan, AO, DSC, and Mr Paul Barratt, AO, former Secretary of the Department of Defence

With falling public support, rising casualties and discussion of an increased military commitment, it is timely to debate the long-running war in Afghanistan.

Some observers are pessimistic about the outcome of President Obama’s troop surge.  They argue that neither the number of troops nor the timeline that mandates a drawdown late next year is likely to impress the Taliban, who think in decades - or the Afghan people under a corrupt and incompetent government in Kabul.  Other observers express optimism, agreeing with Mr Obama when he describes a comparison with the Vietnam war as mistaken.  Today's US military and its commanders are skilled at counter-insurgency, as is Australia's contingent of special forces.

So, the question remains: can the war be won and, if so, how?  To debate this important topic we are pleased to welcome two distinguished speakers.

Major-General (Retd) Jim Molan, AO, DSC, spent 40 years in the Australian Defence Force, retiring two years ago.  Gen. Molan was chief of operations for the Multi-National Force in Iraq in the year after the invasion.  More recently, he has published ‘Running the War in Iraq’.

Mr Paul Barratt, AO, has been Secretary to the Departments of Defence and of Primary Industries and Energy, Executive Director of the Business Council of Australia, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Special Trade Representative for North Asia, and an analyst in the forerunner of the Office of National Assessments.
 
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If you plan to attend this function, please advise us at least 1 day before the event.
Phone: (03) 9654 7271; Fax: (03) 9654 6605; Email: admin.vic@aiia.asn.au 
Snacks and refreshments will be served.

Tickets payable at the door :

• Members                         $15
• Non-Members                 $25
• Student Members             $8
• Student Non-Members   $12