That’s Debatable

The Washington Post this week obtained Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal’s confidential report to the White House, in which he gravely assessed the war effort in Afghanistan. McChrystal, the top U.S. and NATO commander in Afghanistan, recommended that the U.S. send more troops there. Otherwise, he warned, the American military mission “will likely result in failure.” Were the Obama administration to endorse McChrystal’s recommendation and authorize a deployment of additional troops, would you vote in favor should this make its way to the House? Alternatively, how would you vote if the administration called instead for withdrawing or scaling back U.S. forces in Afghanistan from the current level?

If the Taliban is going is be defeated, it’s got to be by the Afghan people themselves, not by sending more U.S. troops, which could actually be counterproductive. The amount of money used to finance a reinforcement of our troops there could possibly be better spent on rebuilding infrastructure and helping to entice the Afghan people to be on our side.

We are not up against a traditional military opponent in Afghanistan but rather a complex culture that requires a greater understanding of the intricacies beyond just bombs and guns. We need widespread support for a moderate anti-Taliban decentralized system in Afghanistan, and our allies there, who once shared our same goal, are now alienated and alone, and many are being co-opted by the enemy. Sending more troops is not the answer.

U.S. Rep. Dana Rohrabacher

(R-Huntington Beach)

I, along with many Americans, have some serious questions that must be answered regarding the situation in Afghanistan. First and foremost, the administration must clearly outline America’s strategy, its chances of success, and the role of our allies in Afghanistan.

I do, however, believe that a precipitous withdrawal would be unwise and prove to further destabilize the region. The efforts currently being undertaken in Afghanistan are under the auspices of international cooperation, but, thus far, the burden has been carried by just a few countries.

I have long said that Afghanistan will be a much tougher problem than Iraq. Our coalition partners must be willing to shoulder more of the burden and bring more to the table. Only then, with a clearly defined strategy and assurances from our coalition allies, will I be able to consider voting in favor of a troop increase.

U.S. Rep. John Campbell

(R-Newport Beach)