PCR Project Co-Director Karin von Hippel on Radio WTOP | No Negotiations until Foreign Troops Leave Afghanistan

Karin von Hippel was interviewed yesterday on Radio WTOP about President Karzai’s recent offer of safety to Mullah Omar.  While the Taliban has rejected the offer, the stance Mullah Omar will take leading up to elections remains somewhat unclear.  Karzai’s statement represents recognition that Mullah Omar has a following in the region, and that Karzai needs to assert his political independence from the international community leading up to elections – even if it means the international community “removes [him] or leaves.”