Congressman Jim Cooper says he’s encouraged by the Obama Administration’s efforts in Afghanistan. He heard details from the top military commander in that country Tuesday.
Both Republicans and Democrats had tough questions for General Stanley McChrystal and Ambassador to Afghanistan Karl Eikenberry at a House Armed Services Committee hearing. Cooper – one of the panel’s members – says the two seem to be on the right track in their efforts. But the Congressman wonders why they didn’t do more sooner.
“It’s a little discouraging that both men are on their third, fourth or fifth tours of duty in that country. You kinda wonder what they were thinking earlier on, why we did not have a better plan for the last eight years. But the key is to get it right now, to protect out troops and achieve some sort of victory in that country.”
Many lawmakers – especially Republicans – are upset at President Obama’s plan to begin withdrawing American forces after 18 months. But Cooper calls that a good faith effort, saying conditions on the ground will determine what happens.
Capitol News Connection’s Manuel Quinones compiled this report.
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