Center for a New American Security

On July 28, 2009, CNAS hosted Sarah Chayes, special advisor to Gen. Stanley McChrystal, commander of ISAF, for an off-the-record staff briefing on Afghanistan. Chayes, who arrived in Afghanistan in 2001, serves an essential role in U.S. efforts in Afghanistan and offered unparalleled insight and perspective on the security situation in the country.

Arriving in Afghanistan initially as a reporter, Chayes stayed behind to work in a private capacity to help rebuild the country after the fall of the Taliban regime.  She was asked to join ISAF headquarters full-time in March of 2009.

Chayes previously reported for National Public Radio in the Balkans, North Africa, and the Middle East, is the recipient of numerous awards for  her reporting and writing, and has lectured and published widely.

The event was part of the Voices from the Field Series, a CNAS program that provides members of the U.S. military and civilians who return from the front lines a venue to speak and write to ensure their unique, and often invaluable insights inform the D.C. community.

For more information about the Voices from the Field series and past speakers, click here.