Counter-Terrorism Expert: U.S. Needs Strong Presence In Afghanistan

By Leah Valencia, University of New Mexico/Talk Radio News Service

During testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, former CIA counter-terrorism official Robert Grenier said that a strong U.S presence in Afghanistan could be useful in fighting Al-Qaida.

Wednesday’s hearing was set against the backdrop of the national debate on the U.S.’s military policy in Afghanistan. President Obama is currently under pressure to decide whether or not to send more troops to Afghanistan as requested by General Stanley McChrystal.

In his remarks, Grenier said that a “robust presence” of forces is needed in Afghanistan.

“Much of our relative success against Al-Qaida leadership, particularly across the border in Pakistan, [we owe] to our intelligence and military platform we have inside Afghanistan,” Grenier said. “If that were to be diminished, I believe our success would diminish with it.”

Grenier said that a U.S. presence is crucial, but shot down suggestions that launching counter-terrorism operations offshore would be effective.

President Obama has yet to indicate if he will send more troops to Afghanistan.