People have spent years trying to learn from past foreign aid disappointments and still, with all these resources, the results are discouraging. This experience should have a chastening influence on the advocates of smart power. But it could be that cultural and economic development works on a different timetable than traditional foreign policy.

Eleven prominent Afghan women this week called on the United States to push for the inclusion of more female leaders in peace talks to end the war in Afghanistan, as administration officials prepare to announce the beginning of troop withdrawals from the war-torn South Asian nation.

Even though the administration has reportedly initiated secret, serious high-level contacts with representatives of the Taliban and has touted nuanced shifts in diplomatic language far less consideration has been given to how the United States can encourage a shift in the Taliban's perceptions and behavior. Fighting must continue, but talking and engagement are even more urgent.

Perhaps the time has come for a frank Indo-Pak dialogue on Afghanistan. Situated by and large within a liberal democratic framework, South Asia can play a part in redeeming world Islam by its example, through imaginative Indian diplomacy and use of its considerable soft power.

Agreement was extended for the next 5 years to continue Voice of America’s (VoA) programs to be broadcasted via the channel of the Radio Television of Afghanistan (RTA) at a function attended by Afghan minister of information and culture, Dr. Sayed Makhdoom

Through its provision of education, medical treatment and small-business support, India has projected considerable soft power in Afghanistan. It provides 2,000 scholarships to Afghans annually for schooling and training in India, including for 500 Afghan civil servants.

As Kabul has begun to get back on its feet, returnees like anthropology student Siddique Ahmed, his two band mates and their like, have brought an infusion of new and old musical influences to the city of their birth and have begun forging a growing music scene.

Although we must remain vigilant in our efforts to defeat Al Qaeda and must continue our support for the Afghan people, there is simply no justification for the continued deployment of 100,000 American troops in Afghanistan.