Stance On Afghanistan
STANCE ON AFGHANISTAN
Over the last six months, I have come to believe that we should draw down combat forces in Afghanistan. We have the best military in the world, but civilian leaders should not ask them to make the ultimate sacrifice to support a corrupt regime, linked to the narcotics trade, in a country torn with ethnic conflict, and a long history of political instability.
Over 1,100 American soldiers have now died in Afghanistan and an additional 6,000 plus have been wounded. We may never know the cost in Afghan lives. On August 15th, CIA Director Panetta said, referring to al-Qaeda "I think at most, we're looking at maybe 50 to 100, maybe less. It's in that vicinity. There's no question that the main location of al-Qaeda is in tribal areas of Pakistan.”
In fiscal year 2011, Afghanistan is projected to cost $117 billion, up from $105 billion in 2010. We should now shift our focus to increased intelligence and special operations abroad and homeland security measures such as securing ports and aviation, and monitoring bio-terrorism and other such threats at home.
