Munir Akram

Following a long and distinguished diplomatic career as the former Permanent Representative to the United Nations from Pakistan, Ambassador Munir Akram is now ready to step out from behind the diplomatic curtain and tell what he knows and offer his perspective on what the goals of the United States should be in Pakistan and Afghanistan, and how they can be obtained. Ambassador Akram, perhaps better than anyone, knows how the Pakistanis, the Taliban, the Afghans, eat, drink, sleep and think.

His 40 years experience in the Foreign Service, his two terms as President of the UN Security Council, and his numerous top-level contacts with world leaders give him a unique perspective on what US policy should be for Pakistan/Afghanistan and other parts of the world.

As Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Akram has represented Pakistan in numerous United Nations bodies and international conferences, including the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council and the Conference on Disarmament and has written and negotiated a nuclear treaty with India.

He's sat cross legged on the floor of Mullah Omar's tent, along with the head of Saudi Intelligence, as they tried to convince the Mullah to lead them to Osama bin Laden and he joined President Musharraf as they tried to convince General Colin Powell that the US military strategy in the region would not work.

He is a prolific writer and has lectured widely on various strategic, political and economic issues.