CNC: TN Lawmakers Open to Rethinking Afghan Policy

As the Obama Administration rethinks Afghanistan policy, two Tennessee lawmakers say they are open to new ideas. They also know Tennesseans won’t support an indefinite war.

Nashville Democrat Jim Cooper recently held a round table with retired generals and admirals. He says he was surprised that all but one of them said the U.S. needs to withdrawal completely from Afghanistan. Cooper says with public support waning the U.S. needs to quickly change its strategy.

“Well relatively few constituents bring it up to me on their own. A lot more folks are interested in domestic issues, particularly health care right now. But we can not underestimate the importance of getting this right in Afghanistan cause Al Qaeda was operating in the vicinity.”

The Obama Administration has already increased troop levels. But reports are that the U.S. commander in Afghanistan wants around forty thousand more. Republican Senator Bob Corker was recently in the country, but he says he needs more information before he makes a decision.

“I certainly want to hear testimony from McChrystal and Eikenberry – the ambassador there. McChrystal is obviously the general on the ground and I hope that testimony will occur soon.”

Besides more troops, other options are being explored. One is reforming the prison system which U.S. officials say is a breeding ground for extremists.

Reporting by Matt Laslo

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