Rooney Statement On McChrystal Afghanistan Report

Statement

Congressman Tom Rooney (R-Fla.) released the following statement regarding the assessment from General McChrystal on Afghanistan:

"General McChrystal's assessment is clear that the situation in Afghanistan is deteriorating and that failure to change the mission would cast serious doubt on our ability to achieve our goals. Having a comprehensive counter insurgency strategy requires not only providing security to the people of Afghanistan, but also integrating ourselves into their culture and legitimizing the Afghan government.

"Per General McChrystal, to be successful in Afghanistan we need a clear anti-insurgent strategy and the troops necessary to effectively carry out a well defined mission. We cannot allow Afghanistan to become a terrorist safe haven like in the years before the 9/11 attacks. President Obama ordered General McChrystal to develop a counterinsurgency strategy earlier this year and now it's time for the President and the Congress to provide the troops and resources necessary to carry out this mission.

"It is also crucial that Congress hear directly from General McChrystal and other commanders on the ground in Afghanistan. It's important General McChrystal testify before the House Armed Services Committee so my colleagues and I can hear testimony on this new strategy.

"Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Afghanistan and meet with the troops and commanders, all Americans should be proud of the outstanding job our men and women in uniform are doing."

Source