The Envoy

1. From Afghan Roots to Global Diplomacy: A Personal Odyssey

THE ENVOY
FROM KABUL TO THE WHITE HOUSE, MY
JOURNEY THROUGH A TURBULENT WORLD

A life's journey. Zalmay Khalilzad's life story is a remarkable journey from a small town in Afghanistan to the highest echelons of American power. His experiences, shaped by his Afghan heritage and American education, provide a unique perspective on global politics.

Early influences. Khalilzad's early life in Afghanistan, marked by both stability and the seeds of future conflict, instilled in him a deep understanding of the region's complexities. His family's emphasis on education and his exposure to diverse cultures shaped his worldview.

American transformation. Khalilzad's transformative experience as an AFS exchange student in the United States exposed him to the values of democracy, equality, and individual opportunity. This experience instilled in him a lifelong appreciation for America and a desire to bridge the gap between his two worlds.

2. The Crisis of Islamic Civilization: A Recurring Theme

Even as a young person, I had perceived the rise of what I called the “crisis of Islamic civilization”—a crisis grounded in the collapse of the civilization’s dominant position in the world in the fifteenth century and the failure of all subsequent empires and national governments to deliver for their peoples.

A civilization in decline. Khalilzad identifies a recurring theme in his life: the "crisis of Islamic civilization." This crisis, rooted in the decline of Islamic empires and the failure of modern governments to meet the needs of their people, has fueled extremism and instability.

Historical context. The crisis stems from the collapse of the Islamic world's dominance in the 15th century and the subsequent failure of empires and national governments to deliver for their people. This has led to a wave of violent Islamist extremism.

Seeking a better path. Khalilzad's experiences in the United States and his observations of other countries convinced him that there was a better path forward. He dedicated his career to addressing this crisis and promoting positive change in the Muslim world.

3. America's Enduring Appeal: Lessons from an Exchange Year

I now knew there was a better way to organize society, even if I did not know how to apply those ideas in Afghanistan.

American values. Khalilzad's year as an AFS student in California exposed him to the core values of American society: openness, equality, hard work, and religious tolerance. These values contrasted sharply with the realities of Afghanistan and inspired him to seek ways to modernize his homeland.

Key observations:

• The openness and friendliness of Americans
• The emphasis on social equality and individual opportunity
• The strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit
• The tolerant and practical approach to religious faith

A lasting impact. Khalilzad's AFS experience instilled in him a deep affection for America and a belief in its potential to be a force for good in the world. He saw himself as a bridge between his two homes, advocating for each to the other.

4. Navigating the Labyrinth of Middle Eastern Politics

Lebanon proved too weak to protect itself against its adversaries or to prevent itself from becoming a proxy battleground for others.

Beirut's allure. Khalilzad's time at the American University of Beirut (AUB) provided him with a firsthand look at the complexities of Middle Eastern politics. He witnessed the region's ideological and political turmoil, the rise of Arab nationalism, and the growing influence of Islamism.

Regional dynamics. Khalilzad learned about the historical rivalries and power struggles that shaped the Middle East, including the Israeli-Arab conflict, the rise of secular modernizers like Nasser, and the growing influence of Iran.

The fragility of stability. Khalilzad observed how Lebanon, despite its cosmopolitanism and tolerance, was ultimately unable to withstand the pressures of regional conflicts and internal divisions. This experience reinforced his understanding of the challenges facing Afghanistan and other countries in the Muslim world.

5. The Perils and Promises of State-Building: Afghanistan as a Case Study

I was already aware that, after a glorious history, Afghanistan had become isolated and underdeveloped.

Afghanistan's potential. Khalilzad's deep understanding of Afghan history and culture informed his approach to state-building in the country. He recognized Afghanistan's potential for greatness but also its vulnerability to internal divisions and external interference.

Key challenges:

• Ethnic and tribal divisions
• The legacy of war and instability
• The influence of regional powers
• The rise of religious extremism

A vision for the future. Khalilzad believed that Afghanistan could overcome these challenges by building strong national institutions, promoting economic development, and fostering a sense of national unity. He advocated for a gradual and inclusive approach to modernization that respected Afghan traditions and values.

6. Balancing Ideals and Realities: Navigating Complex Foreign Policy Challenges

I had long since concluded that it was better to manage my father than confront him.

Pragmatism vs. idealism. Khalilzad's career has been marked by a constant tension between his ideals and the realities of foreign policy. He often found himself having to make difficult choices, balancing competing interests and navigating complex political landscapes.

The art of diplomacy. Khalilzad's experiences taught him the importance of understanding different perspectives, building relationships, and finding common ground. He learned to manage conflicts, negotiate compromises, and work with diverse actors to achieve shared goals.

The limits of power. Khalilzad recognized that even the most powerful nations have limitations. He understood the importance of alliances, burden-sharing, and working with local partners to achieve sustainable solutions.

7. The Weight of Leadership: From Academic to Ambassador

I now had to worry about the growing violence and uncertainty not just for strategic reasons, but because my Alex would have to live in whatever world resulted.

From theory to practice. Khalilzad's transition from academic to diplomat brought him face-to-face with the human consequences of his decisions. He felt a deep sense of responsibility for the lives and well-being of the people he was trying to help.

The personal toll. Khalilzad's demanding career took a toll on his personal life. He faced long separations from his family, constant travel to dangerous regions, and the emotional burden of witnessing human suffering.

A commitment to service. Despite the challenges, Khalilzad remained committed to public service. He believed that it was his duty to use his skills and experience to make a positive difference in the world.

8. The Human Cost of Conflict: A Personal Perspective

I witnessed the price of this conflict most vividly through my father.

The impact on families. Khalilzad's own family experienced the devastating consequences of conflict firsthand. His father's health declined after becoming a refugee, and his family was scattered across the globe.

The suffering of ordinary people. Khalilzad was deeply moved by the stories of ordinary Afghans and Iraqis who had endured years of war, violence, and oppression. He saw the human cost of conflict in the faces of refugees, the ruins of destroyed cities, and the trauma of those who had lost loved ones.

A moral imperative. Khalilzad's personal experiences reinforced his belief that the United States had a moral obligation to help those who were suffering and to prevent future conflicts.

9. The Elusive Quest for Unity: Iraq's Fractured Landscape

I was amazed by how well the election had gone.

Sectarian divisions. Khalilzad's time in Iraq exposed him to the deep sectarian divisions that plagued the country. He witnessed the mistrust and animosity between Sunni and Shia Arabs, the competing agendas of Kurdish factions, and the influence of regional powers.

The challenge of reconciliation. Khalilzad recognized that achieving lasting peace and stability in Iraq would require a sustained effort to reconcile these divisions and build a shared sense of national identity.

The limits of external intervention. Khalilzad learned that even the most well-intentioned interventions could have unintended consequences. He saw how U.S. policies, such as the disbanding of the Iraqi army and de-Baathification, contributed to the country's instability.

10. The Power of Personal Diplomacy: Building Bridges in a Divided World

I learned a great deal simply by observing him.

Building relationships. Khalilzad's success as a diplomat stemmed in part from his ability to build personal relationships with leaders from diverse backgrounds. He understood the importance of empathy, respect, and cultural sensitivity in fostering trust and finding common ground.

The art of persuasion. Khalilzad was a skilled negotiator who could effectively communicate U.S. interests while also understanding and addressing the concerns of his counterparts. He knew when to be firm and when to be flexible, when to compromise and when to stand his ground.

The importance of listening. Khalilzad emphasized the importance of listening to local voices and understanding the perspectives of those on the ground. He recognized that sustainable solutions could only be achieved through collaboration and partnership.

11. The Limits of Power: Confronting Unforeseen Challenges

I was surprised by how muted the response was in the United States when the Soviet Union collapsed.

Unforeseen consequences. Khalilzad's career was marked by unforeseen challenges and unintended consequences. He learned that even the most carefully crafted plans could be derailed by unexpected events and that flexibility and adaptability were essential for success.

The limits of control. Khalilzad recognized that the United States could not always control events on the ground. He understood the importance of working with local partners and empowering them to take ownership of their own future.

The need for humility. Khalilzad's experiences taught him the importance of humility and self-reflection. He acknowledged that mistakes were inevitable and that learning from those mistakes was crucial for improving future policies.

12. A Vision for the Future: From Global Strategist to Elder Statesman

I was starting to feel sick from the oppressive heat and humidity.

A legacy of service. Khalilzad's career has been dedicated to promoting peace, stability, and democracy in some of the world's most challenging regions. His experiences offer valuable lessons for future generations of policymakers and diplomats.

The enduring importance of American leadership. Khalilzad believes that the United States has a vital role to play in shaping the world. He argues that American leadership, grounded in its core values, is essential for addressing global challenges and promoting a more just and peaceful world order.

A call to action. Khalilzad's story is a call to action for all those who believe in the power of diplomacy, the importance of international cooperation, and the enduring promise of the American dream.

Last updated: March 31, 2025