Assessing our efforts in the War on Terror
By: U.S. Congressman Lincoln Davis

Being a Member of Congress, representing the Fourth Congressional District, affords me opportunities to visit areas of American interest around the world as an official of the U.S. government. These visits, known as CODEL's (congressional delegation) are helpful to us as elected officials in forming opinions and allow us to accurately report back to you on what we witness. I recently traveled to Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Landstuhl Army Regional Medical Center, Germany to meet with foreign leaders regarding upcoming Parliamentary elections and review reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan. I also had the opportunity to talk with soldiers in the field and visit with some wounded soldiers who have been transported to Germany for medical care and treatment.

I want to begin by saying we have the most capable, well trained, and caring soldiers in the world. Time and again our troops have answered the call to duty and have served our country with distinction. They should be honored to be known as members of the U.S. Marines, Army, Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard.

Our delegation flew into the Pakistani capitol of Islamabad and after a briefing at the American Embassy we began our journey. Our first visit was with teachers and students aged 15-25 at a fundamentalist Islamic school called a Madrassa. Normally, westerners are not permitted in such schools, but we were welcomed with open arms.

We later met with Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and his cabinet to discuss relations and express the aspirations of our people. After our meeting with the Prime Minister we embarked on a three-hour drive to the ancient city of Peshawar, which borders Afghanistan. While in Peshawar we shared a friendly meal with Waziristan tribal leaders. Waziristan is the region in Pakistan where Osama Bin Laden is thought to be hiding. The area is known for its rugged terrain and walled cities, which usually shuns outsiders. During our meal we talked about the war in Afghanistan, the United States, and Osama Bin Laden. They expressed to us how sorrowful they were that 9/11 occurred