Congressman Pete King

Afghanistan

While U.S. Forces initially drove the Taliban and al-Qaeda from power in Afghanistan, the enemy later reconstituted across the border in Pakistan to launch attacks into Afghanistan. The situation was caused by a breakdown in Pakistan’s government and the failure of our NATO allies to provide their fair share of fighting troops. It is imperative that we not allow al-Qaeda to reclaim a sanctuary to plan and prepare for another attack similar to 9/11. This is a new mission. It’s a counterinsurgency strategy along the lines of what we did in Iraq. We must deny safe haven to those Islamic extremists who seek shelter in these border regions. And that is why I support President Obama’s decision to increase our troop strength.

In addition, I feel we must continue to pressure President Karzai to fight corruption and fraud within the civilian government as well as the opium trade which funds much of the insurgency. I have visited Afghanistan and know this mission will not be easy. I have great faith, however, in our troops and in commander, General Stanley McChrystal, whom I met when he was leading the Special Operations Command in Iraq. With support from Congress, American troops will get the job done. I assure you I will stand by our troops and will continue to support legislation such as the United States-Afghanistan Security and Stability Act (H.R. 2482) which will give our troops the funding which they need.