Issue Position: National Defense and Iraq

Issue Position

As New Yorkers, we understand firsthand the importance and urgency of our national security. As your representative in Congress, I am committed to protecting and improving the safety of our nation and our neighborhoods through smart, forward-thinking policy.

After years of predominantly unilateral action, we must recognize that America's security is unquestionably linked to our standing and relationships within the global community. To effectively address the complex network of threats that we face today, we must restore America's credibility and empower effective international coalitions and alliances.

In addition, we must carefully reevaluate our efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan. It is my firm belief that we must bring our military engagement to a responsible end at the quickest possible pace. The brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces have served admirably and improved the security situation in Iraq. It is now time for the Iraqi government to assume responsibility for its territory and citizens and for America to shift our valuable resources to more fundamental national security priorities and the very real challenges facing Americans here at home.

With the Bush Administration's focus on the Iraq War, precious economic and military resources were diverted from Afghanistan -- the home base for al Qaeda and the headquarters for those who planned the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 and subsequent attacks on innocent civilians in allied nations. As a result, insurgents have regrouped and regained control in many parts of the country, allowing the security situation to deteriorate and extending combat operations.

I share President Obama's view that the resurgence of violence and extremism in Afghanistan is a serious concern. A renewed sanctuary for al Qaeda in Afghanistan would both threaten the security of the United States and further erode the stability of Pakistan, a nuclear-armed country with a longstanding and tenuous conflict with its neighbor, India. However, we must recognize that this is not a conflict that can be settled by conventional warfare or military efforts alone. As we go forward, I firmly believe that we must emphasize economic development and reliable governance. We must learn from and strengthen initiatives like the National Solidarity Program, which has a proven track record of planning and executing development projects at the local level, providing jobs for Afghan citizens and circumventing the corruption rampant in Kabul's central government. We must take heed of lessons learned throughout the 20th century and ensure that we are, with each passing day, moving toward the end of a need for U.S. forces in Afghanistan.

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