This Week

“America exits Afghanistan,” proclaimed the Washington Post’s front page. Over at the New York Times it was, “U.S. Forces Leave Afghanistan; Evacuation Ends.”

So, it’s over. The “forever war” on terrorism in Afghanistan and attempt to build a government and modernize a society lasted six weeks short of 20 years. The costs in blood and treasure were tremendous. The mission to prevent Afghanistan from being used as a terrorist launching ground for attacks on the American homeland was successful. The subsequent mission to rehabilitate war torn Afghanistan seemed to be positive, but in the end, lost.

As the heroic airlift effort unfolded Joint Chiefs Chairman Mark Milley said there would be plenty of time for “After Action Reports.” The time is now, but in reality there have been plenty of reports on the conduct of the longest war in America’s history. Today, the World Affairs Councils of America is presenting Craig Whitlock in a conversation on his new book, “The Afghanistan Papers.” This eye-opening account of who knew what, when evolved from a series originally published in the Washington Post in December 2019. Most Americans had by that point become numb or tuned out to the conflict. Operating Enduring Freedom, the 2001 combat mission had ended in 2014, but Americans continued to serve and sacrifice and billions of dollars continued to be spent on the effort. 

What will we learn from the Afghanistan conflict? There are many lessons and journalists, historians and pundits are busy assembling them. For us at World Affairs Councils it is the lesson, indeed validation, that there is no time in America’s engagement abroad — something that is truly a forever endeavor — when our mission, to inform our community about the world, is critical. Americans must know and be a part of the decisions being made, when the United States of America invests enormous sums of money and absorbs the cost of thousands of American lives and those of our allies and civilians. To know the world, that’s what we need more of.

So, stay connected. Give our JOIN page a whirl and DROP some coins in the bucket so we can keep the lights on.

Wishes for a safe and prosperous week.

Sincerely,

MARK THE CALENDAR

TODAY | LAST CALL | 2PM | HOW JAPAN IS IGNITING NASHVILLE’S TECH SECTOR

Riding a New Wave: How Japan is Igniting Nashville’s Vibrant Tech Sector is a virtual symposium that will explore Middle Tennessee techology-based innovation and economic growth fueled by Japanese business investment. Japanese companies in Tennessee are investing in technology that powers Nashville’s economic growth. Moderator Brian Moyer and four top-notch IT executives from Bridgestone Americas, Nissan and NTT DATA Services will come together to exchange views and share their knowledge about the use of technology by local manufacturers and healthcare companies to serve their customers, why their companies came to Nashville, how this benefits the Middle Tennessee economy and the approach of Japanese companies to technology. [Here]

TODAY | NASHVILLE VISITOR BUREAU CHIEF ON GLOBAL NASHVILLE

Join our “Global Nashville” program this evening for our conversation with Butch Spyridon, CEO of the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corporation and guest host Ralph Schulz, President of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce. Let’s talk about international visitors to Nashville and how the city is building bridges around the world. [Here]

GOVERNOR BREDESEN | JAPAN-TENNESSEE COMMECIAL RELATIONS | ICYMI

Governor Phil Bredesen talked with “Global Nashville” guest host Matt Kisber last week about the evolution of Japanese businesses in Tennessee and the impact on the State’s prosperity. If you missed it, or want to watch it again, you can find the program on our YouTube.com/tnwac video channel, along with over one hundred other global affairs programs. [Watch]

STUDENTS AND YOUNG PROFESSIONALS | INTERNATIONAL CAREERS

Mark you calendar for the fall 2021 sessions of our International Careers Panels. As we did in the spring we’ll have two panels, both via Webinar. On October 6th we’ll host a panel of specialists from a variety of international professions, such as diplomacy, business, NGOs, Peace Corps, legal, academic and military. Three weeks later, on October 27, join us again for a conversation with a panel focused on a singular global affairs occupation field. Details soon.

ACADEMIC WORLDQUEST

High school students and teachers be ready to start our Academic WorldQuest season, named in honor of Anne Smedinghoff, an American diplomat who was killed in the line of duty in Afghanistan. The study guide and topics are due for release in mid-September. Our first practice match is set for Belmont University on Sunday, December 5th. The TNWAC championship match will be held in early February 2022. Be on the lookout for details on forming teams and getting ready for WorldQuest!

UNDERGRAD STUDENTS | SCHOLARSHIP TO OUR NATIONAL CONFERENCE

The World Affairs Councils of America is excited to welcome all of you to the WACA 2021 National Conference this November 16-19 in Washington, DC, where we will celebrate our 35th Anniversary as a national association!  For nearly four decades, the WACA National Conference has brought World Affairs Council leaders and members to engage with top government officials, diplomats, business executives, innovators, journalists, educators, and students on the most pressing global issues and policy choices that impact our lives. Deadline: September 10 [Details/Apply]

VOLUNTEERS

The Tennessee World Affairs Council invites you to consider becoming a volunteer. TNWAC programs, development and administration are managed by a (very) small staff. We’re always on the lookout for people who are interested in our mission — bring the world to our fellow citizens — and have an opportunity to share their time and talents. There’s a great need so if you’re interested drop us an email. [pat@tnwac.org]

COMPETING FOR THE FUTURE

Your World Affairs Council is pleased to be a partner with the Connecticut World Affairs Council in offering the 2021 Global Security Forum: Competing for the Future, coming to you on October 1-2, 2021. At this forum generals, experts, and foreign leaders will convene to address the most critical global security issues of today and the opportunities of tomorrow. Learn more about the GSF and register for this terrific opportunity.  HERE.

YOU SHOULD SPONSOR THESE PROGRAMS