Congressman Pete King


Afghanistan

Though 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 some of our NATO allies to provide their fair share of fighting troops. It was imperative that we not allow al-Qaeda to reclaim a sanctuary to plan and prepare for another attack similar to 9/11. We needed a counterinsurgency strategy along the lines of what we did in Iraq to deny safe haven to those Islamic terrorists who seek shelter in these border regions. And that is why I supported President Obama’s decision in November 2009 to increase our troop strength.

Under the leadership of General David Petraeus much progress was made. Our troops have done an excellent job, but more remains to be done which is why I oppose President Obama’s decision to draw down our troops too quickly. An unstable Afghanistan will allow al-Qaeda to establish a sanctuary similar to the situation before 9/11.