With Barack Obama being returned to the White House, it’s worth considering what his key foreign policy challenges will be during the second term. I’ve outlined a few areas I think will dominate his thinking over the next four years.
1. Afghanistan and Pakistan
Obama has committed to withdrawing American forces from Afghanistan by the end of 2014. This will be a far from smooth transition. As the number of US forces declines, expect to see a resurgence of the Taliban, greater instability across the country, and the accelerated erosion of Hamid Karzai’s authority. American frustrations will also heighten if the pace of ‘green on blue’ attacks (where Afghan National Security Force soldiers kill their NATO allies) continues growing at the rate it has in recent months.
Difficulties with Pakistan will also persist. As American influence in Afghanistan wanes, Islamabad is more than likely to step up its traditional support for the Afghan Taliban to achieve what it calls ‘strategic depth’ against India.
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in