Wilson Statement On Afghanistan Hearing

Statement

Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC) issued the following statement today following a hearing in the House Armed Services Committee on our strategy in Afghanistan.

"In March of this year, President Obama said in clear terms that success in Afghanistan was about more than just stability in the region. He correctly stated that the ‘safety of people around the world is at stake.' I commended the President at the time for having made this determination and applauded his choice of General Stanley McChrystal as a professional and capable leader for our forces in Afghanistan.

"We should aggressively pursue a multi-dimensional, counter-insurgency strategy. We must remain vigilant and in pursuit of terrorist organizations operating in both Afghanistan and Pakistan; properly define the role of and train the Afghan National Security Forces -- both police and army units; and help the people of Afghanistan continue to establish a stable, transparent government. We have seen the success of this type of strategy in Iraq.

"President Obama's speech in March made it clear that we need a comprehensive approach to securing stability in the region and that were the Taliban to return to power it would mean not only a devastating degradation of human rights for the people of Afghanistan but an open door for terrorists safe havens. To avoid this outcome in Afghanistan, General McChrystal has requested more troops and resources. For the sake of our mission and the lives of our servicemembers, Congress and the President should act and act soon by listening to our commanders in the field."

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