Terrorism
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Human Rights | Engaging
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Issues Foreign
Policy Fighting Terrorism Worldwide
Eight years ago, I voted in favor of the authorization to use military force against those who planned and carried out the horrific terrorist attacks on our nation on September 11, 2001. Unfortunately, our military involvement in Iraq distracted us from our mission in Afghanistan and the global threat posed by al Qaeda, and the situation in the region has deteriorated in recent years.
After eight years of war, we cannot simply assume that sending more troops to Afghanistan is the right approach. In fact, sending significantly more troops to Afghanistan could inflame civilian resentment and provoke further militancy in the region without significantly contributing to stability. And it could further destabilize Pakistan, a nuclear-armed country where al Qaeda has a safe haven.
We need to acknowledge the serious risks of a military-centric strategy that focuses almost entirely on Afghanistan, and pursue a comprehensive, sustainable strategy to combat al Qaeda's global network. That is why, in August 2009, I said that we need to start discussing a flexible timetable for withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan. Such a timetable would bolster our national security by undercutting the perception of the U.S. as an occupying force in the region, while at the same time removing a tremendous strain on our troops and our economy.
We need to remain engaged in Afghanistan and Pakistan to promote good governance that will address the socioeconomic challenges in both countries and help ensure that people have security and basic services. Every day that those needs go unmet, more Afghan and Pakistani people may turn away from their own governments, providing further openings for the Taliban and other militants.
I encourage you to visit this timeline for a more detailed account of my work on Afghanistan and Pakistan.
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