Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) issued the following statement regarding reports that the United States and NATO are preparing a “transition” strategy in Afghanistan war.

“When I returned from Afghanistan in August, I called on U.S. and Afghan officials to put pen to paper to decide what our strategic relationship will look like in the future.  The U.S. government must clarify what responsibilities the Afghans will assume, and how we will support them.

“I am pleased that the U.S. and NATO are preparing to announce a strategy for transitioning areas of Afghanistan from NATO to Afghan leadership.  This is an important step forward.

“The U.S. must also develop a bilateral strategic framework that addresses how we will help Afghanistan take the lead in security operations and economic development while demonstrating our ongoing commitment to provide the country with necessary aid.  This framework should not be an open-ended commitment of troops and resources, but it should reassure the Afghan people that the U.S. is a strong and reliable partner.

“The U.S. strategy moving forward should continue to build on the progress we have made towards the shared goal of both Americans and Afghans: letting the Afghan people build their own country.

“As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I will continue to carefully review the Administration’s policies towards Afghanistan. 

###