Woodrow Wilson vs Zalmay Khalilzad

Wilson signed the Federal Reserve Act, creating the Federal Reserve System to regulate the US banking system and monetary policy. This established a central bank to manage economic stability.

Wilson allowed his cabinet members to segregate federal government offices, reversing post-Reconstruction integration. This policy increased racial discrimination in federal employment and was criticized by civil rights leaders.

Wilson asked Congress to declare war on Germany after unrestricted submarine warfare and the Zimmermann Telegram. US entry shifted the balance of power, leading to the Allied victory in 1918.

Wilson delivered the Fourteen Points speech outlining his vision for post-war peace, including self-determination, open diplomacy, and the creation of a League of Nations. This shaped the Treaty of Versailles negotiations.

Wilson participated in the Paris Peace Conference and helped draft the Treaty of Versailles, which included the League of Nations covenant. The US Senate rejected the treaty, and the US never joined the League.

Zalmay Khalilzad was appointed US Ambassador to Afghanistan, where he played a key role in shaping the post-Taliban government. He helped draft the new constitution and supported the election of Hamid Karzai as president.

Khalilzad became US Ambassador to Iraq, overseeing diplomatic efforts during the Iraq War. He worked to facilitate political reconciliation among Iraqi factions and supported the formation of a unity government.

Khalilzad served as US Ambassador to the UN, representing American interests on global issues including Iran's nuclear program and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He held the position until 2009.

Khalilzad served as the US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, leading negotiations with the Taliban in Doha, Qatar. The resulting agreement set a timeline for US troop withdrawal and initiated intra-Afghan talks.