Whoever occupies the Oval Office in 2017 will face challenges around the world, including a resurgent Russia, an increasingly assertive China, a metastasized Islamic State (ISIS), and an emboldened Iran. Addressing these and other foreign policy challenges in the wake of the Obama Administration’s “leading from behind” approach will require a fundamental change of America’s role in the world. How quickly and thoroughly the next President addresses these challenges will largely determine whether U.S. foreign policy in the new Administration succeeds or fails.
One year after the US pullout from Afghanistan, many veterans believe that America did not leave the country with honor. DW's Stefan Simons met two service members who are still trying to help and support Afghan friends and comrades in every possible way.
general s deputy special representative for afghanistan. and a u.n. resident and humanitarian coordinator. he joins me now live from kabul. thank you, sir, for being with us. thank you very much for having me. today marks one year since the taliban seized control of the afghan capitol after that chaotic u.s. troop withdrawal. since then, the taliban have rolled back all progress made for women and girls and the country is in dire economic shape with millions of people on the brink of starvation. you have witnessed a lot of this. talk to us about what has happened inside the country the past year. indeed, the situation on the ground was difficult and remains difficult throughout the year. through a joint effort we had with all partners, the worst case scenario this winter, the mass starvation of people in afghanistan was avoided but we are still in a place.