Better Than a Runoff for Abdullah

New America President Steve Coll finds Abdullah Abdullah's decision to withdraw from Afghanistan's runoff election to be a smart and measured response to the flawed election for the country's presidency, putting him in a good negotiating position to reach his goals of strengthening the parliament, rejoining the government, and maintaining a strong political presence at home and abroad.

Today at the Center for American Progress, New America is co-hosting an event on "Reconciliation and Insurgency: Political Strategies in the Afghan War." Click here now to watch the live webcast.

And for more news and analysis from Afghanistan, Pakistan and the region, visit The Af-Pak Channel -- a project of Foreign Policy and the New America Foundation.

On the Cusp in California

One in every eight young American children lives in California -- many from minority ethnic and racial backgrounds who speak languages other than English. The Education Policy Program looks at the state's early education program and sees potential problems ahead if California does not capitalize on innovative reform efforts being incubated in parts of the state.

A new report makes recommendations for policymakers to help the state focus on PreK-3rd reforms -- particularly on high-quality preschool -- and how to overcome obstacles that might get in the way of needed changes.