Issue Position: Afghanistan

Issue Position

Afghanistan is an example of a failed state, as are the border regions of Pakistan, and the countries of Yemen and Somalia. Al Qaeda takes advantage of these unstable countries to create safe havens from which to attack the US and its allies. We need to develop a national strategy to deal with these states, and to prevent Al Qaeda and other terrorist organizations from gaining a foothold in Afghanistan. This includes helping affected governments to stabilize, and having the ability to conduct focused military operations when necessary to prevent terrorist attacks. We cannot have either an unsustainable long-term military presence in these areas, or an abrupt military pullout that leaves a dangerous vacuum. Careful diplomacy, focused military strategy, and a long term vision for stability in these areas is imperative, and I will work in Congress to create such an approach.

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