Shaheen Statement on US-Afghanistan Military Strategy

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a member of the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees, released the following statement after President Trump addressed the nation on military strategy in Afghanistan:

 

“Security in Afghanistan remains critically important to the United States, particularly in terms of denying terrorist groups like al-Qaeda, ISIS and the Taliban territory from which to operate,” said Senator Shaheen. “Over the last year, I have heard testimony from our top military brass, including from General John W. Nicholson, Commander of our Armed Forces in Afghanistan. According to these officials, American troops ‎are necessary to effectively train and advise Afghan soldiers and maintain long-term stability in Afghanistan and the region. I support the decision to maintain an American presence but I urge the President not to discount the continued contributions of U.S. diplomats and development professionals as well as local Afghan and Coalition partners. Success in Afghanistan will be a sum of all these parts, and we have to ensure the strength of each. As a member of the Foreign Relations and Armed Services Committees, I will continue to push for adequate resources to ensure the well-being of our troops, both on and off the battlefield, as well as a fully engaged diplomatic presence. It is also crucial that we fight for a stronger, more resilient NATO, and tools like Special Immigrant Visas to support those Afghan nationals who risk their lives to help us. In addition, it is critical that the Senate Armed Services Committee play a key role in oversight, and I look forward to our hearing in September as an opportunity to review this strategy.”