Senate Foreign Relations Committee takes another look at Afghanistan

Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee John Kerry (D-MA) kicked off a hearing today to discuss strategies aimed at stabilizing Afghanistan. He began by reemphasizing the threats posed by al-Qaida and the Taleban in Afghanistan and warned that they are still planning attacks around the world including in the U.S. and in Europe. He cited studies showing that suicide attacks, poppy production, and insurgency have risen sharply in the last 3 years. Kerry also made reference to Vietnam saying that it proved that the U.S. can win every battle in Afghanistan but still lose the war.

Senator Norm Coleman (R-MN) spoke next proclaiming that failure in Afghanistan is unacceptable. He said that the U.S. has an obligation to win in Afghanistan and to understand the cause of conflict there. He said that optimism and energy was high in Kabul three years ago but that today the situation has become more difficult.

Co-chair of the Afghanistan Study Group Thomas Pickering listed some positive aspects in Afghanistan. Among them are economic growth, low inflation, and a stable currency but he did say the country is poised for a downhill slide. He said that the government in Afghanistan needs to gain legitimacy in the eyes of the Afghan people and he wants Afghanistan to forge a closer relationship with Pakistan.

Retired General James Jones said that Afghanistan holds international legitimacy and said that various groups and organizations are working inside of Afghanistan towards stabilizing the situation. He said that the U.S. should support military requests for equipment and soldiers but warned that an increased presence there would not be a longterm solution. He noted that narcotics trafficking is corrupting and criminalizing the society and that it provides insurgents with capital. He also said that the U.S. must recognize Pakistan as a part of the problem and said that the conflict in Afghanistan is regional, not local.