In this Lowy Institute Analysis, Richard Gowan reviews Australia’s time as a non-permanent member of the Security Council. Gowan argues that while it has not changed the world, Australia has acquitted itself well, bringing extra rigour and professionalism to the Council’s debates. It has carved out a niche on the issue of humanitarian access in the Syrian conflict, and solidified its reputation as a good international citizen and a serious country.
Understanding the U.S. security agreement with Afghanistan
After months of waiting through a contested election, the U.S. has settled with Afghanistan’s new leadership on a security agreement for the transition toward Afghan security self-reliance. Former State Department official Barnett Rubin talks to Jeffrey Brown about whether President Ashraf Ghani will prove a reliable ally, as well as what we’ve learned from American involvement in Afghanistan.
Watch the full PBS NewsHour interview below "Understanding the U.S. security agreement with Afghanistan".