national security adviser atmar has been a critical leader in afghanistan. he's been the minister of education, and rehabilitation and development, and his efforts through the years have led to remarkable gains, most particularly in the education of girls, but also in rural infra structure, in governance and much more. he was a driving force in the creation of the first afghan national development strategy. and he has been an important partner in peace efforts. so today he will discuss the security challenges that afghanistan faces and a potential path for peace. he will make some opening remarks, and then he will be joined on stage by steve hadley, our board chair here at usip, and of course the national, former national security adviser for president george w. bush. so we will have the great opportunity of listening in to a conversation between former and current national security advisers followed by questions from the audience. so please join me now in welcoming afghan national security adviser atmar. [ applause ] >> thank you. miss nancy lindbergh, exce