Sen. Casey speaks on Afghan efforts at U.S. Army War College
Thursday, September 9, 2010
by Becca Gregg
Source: Carlisle Sentinel
Despite the recent official end to the combat stage of the war, Sen. Bob Casey didn't shy away from the bevy of issues still plaguing U.S. troops overseas in an appearance Thursday at the U.S. Army War College.
The senator, who is on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, noted the casualties over the past few months are the highest since the war began nine years ago. Sixty U.S. troops were killed in June, another 66 in July and 55 died in August.
"These are difficult days that have not only tried the patience of the American people, but tested the resolve of our commitment to this conflict," Casey said. "There is a clear imperative for the international presence in Afghanistan. This cradle of extremism can't be ignored because the stakes are too high."
The Taliban must be opposed, Casey explained, in an all-out effort to prevent the group from acquiring nuclear arms.
"The Pakistani Taliban's expressed goal is a takeover of the state, a state with nuclear arms," he said. "This horrific nightmare scenario weighs heavily on the minds of leaders in the administration, members of Congress, and of course, our military leaders."
Challenges faced
Speaking before an auditorium full of military students, Casey addressed both the fight against corruption and development efforts in the region.
Corruption in both the Afghan and Pakistani governments is a matter of life and death for our troops, he said, explaining that support for a U.S. presence in Afghanistan will erode unless "serious progress is made soon."
"I will put this very simply: we cannot be complicit in helping extend the reach of a corrupt government," Casey said. "Secretary Gates put it best last week when he said that the fight against corruption must be Afghan-led. Afghanistan is a sovereign country and if the fight against corruption is going to be effective, Afghans can and must own the process."
Going hand-in-hand with corruption, Casey emphasized the threat posed by ammonium nitrate, the key ingredient used in the leading killer of U.S. troops in Afghanistan - improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
"I cannot overemphasize the urgency of this issue," he said. "Pakistan's leaders must do everything in their power to ensure that ammonium nitrate and other precursor ingredients are well regulated in Pakistan and not transported into Afghanistan for illicit use."
Urgent mission
In particular, Casey stressed the importance of training the Afghan national army and police.
"A well-trained and equipped Afghan army will provide solidarity among the Afghan people and confidence in the army," he said. "This is an urgent mission. The sooner that Afghanistan can develop a sound military infrastructure ... it will lessen the burden on international forces operating in the country."
When discussing development in the region, Casey explained that, "Our goal is not to create a western-style government or economy in Afghanistan, but to help Afghanistan install a system that works for them."
In addition to discussing the current challenges overseas, Casey praised the efforts and sacrifice of the military men and women in the audience, the majority of whom had served multiple tours in the Middle East.
"While there may be differences among members (of Congress) with respect to the conduct of the war, there is no disagreement on our support for the troops. I am pleased to report that our policy in Afghanistan is by and large a nonpartisan issue, a rarity in today's political climate," he said.
Following both Casey's speech and a question-and-answer session with the audience, Lt. Col. Jayson Altieri said that he was both pleased and encouraged by the senator's remarks.
"It's always encouraging as a soldier to see our congressional leadership present their thoughts on what we do (in the field)," Altieri said. "It's important to us soldiers what Congress thinks of the political, military and economic (aspects) of military operations."
According to Col. Tom Vaccaro, Casey's statements throughout the hour-long speech were true to reality.
"I spent the year in Afghanistan and just got back. It's important in terms of counter-insurgence strategy to win the hearts and minds of the Afghan people," Vaccaro said. "We're training them to protect themselves."