In Afghanistan: Clearing, holding and laying a new foundation

The success of NATO’s military campaign in Afghanistan, says Rajan Menon, depends on the country’s ability to establish a just and effective government in Marjah and other areas that NATO and American troops are taking back from the Taliban.

Menon, the Monroe J. Rathbone Professor and department chair of international relations, discussed the Afghan war last Thursday (Feb. 25) on World Focus, a program that airs nightly on the PBS network. World Focus covers international news by pairing commentary from experts with news reports.

On Friday (Feb. 26), Menon appeared again on World Focus to discuss the suicide bombings earlier that day that had killed 19 people, including six Indian citizens. The Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attacks. About 4,000 Indian citizens are engaged in reconstruction activities in Afghanistan. The Indian government has said the attacks were intended to undermine relations between India and Afghanistan.

World Focus airs on Philadelphia's WHYY-TV at 7:30 p.m.

The Feb. 25 program featuring Menon and the Feb. 26 program both aired on PBS stations across the United States.