the pakistan program at usip. and usip is involved on the ground in afghanistan and pakistan to promote nonviolent means of resolving conflicts. and we have a fairly sizable presence in afghanistan. less so but still modest sized presence in pakistan as well. but in addition to our work, we do underpin much of what we do in these countries by our analysis. and afghanistan, of course, the impending transition there in 2014 remains very important for us. not only in u.s. policy but what is happening in afghanistan but also the broader region and the implications regional policies have for this community to bring together experts to talk on these issues and today is a great example of that. i may also mention another example on the prospects for peace in afghanistan. marc grossman will be speaking here and steve hadley, importantlier national security adviser to president bush will be moderating the event which will also feature rasheed and ambassador who is based at usip. so pl