Army Lt. Gen. Karl Eikenberry, outgoing commander of the Combined Forces Command in Afghanistan, visited the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies on February 16. While here he spoke with Fellows attending the Executive Course: Advanced Security Cooperation about his experiences during Operation Enduring Freedom.

Eikenberry said that in his 34 years on active duty he had never been in a country with so many challenges. After more than three decades of war, Afghanistan’s infrastructure including power and road systems needed to be rebuilt.

But, he was positive about the coalitions’ ability to help ensure that Afghanistan becomes a stable and democratic country that can protect itself. The challenges it faces are not so much from a strong enemy, than those of strengthening a still weak state said Eikenberry.

In addition to the Executive Course Fellows, 41 international Fellows from the U.S. Army War College who were also visiting the Center also attended his briefing.

Note:  While APCSS has a policy of non-attribution, permission was received from the speaker to release the above information.

Eikenberry’s next post is as the deputy chairman, North Atlantic Treaty Organization Military Committee, Brussels, Belgium.