TN GOP Senator Wants More Details on Troop Surge in Afghanistan

President Barack Obama’s new Afghan war strategy drew a wary reaction from Tennessee Republican Senator Lamar Alexander, who says the President has more work ahead of him to rally bipartisan support.

Alexander would like to see the President come to Congress, outline his plans, and present more details about his strategy for success.

Many Republicans are skeptical of the President’s plan to begin withdrawing American forces after 18-months. And many anti-war Democrats are blasting the President’s call for 30,000 more troops.

That’s why Alexander says the President has to court members of both parties in order to secure support.

 

“President Bush wasn’t able to do that in Iraq, it became Bush’s war. And it would not be good for President Obama, or for our country if Afghanistan became Obama’s war.”

 

Senator Bob Corker released a statement after the President’s speech, saying he’s looking forward to more details, especially about withdrawal plans.

Corker will hear from administration officials – including Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Defense Secretary Robert Gates – at a Foreign Relations Committee hearing on Afghanistan Thursday.

This report was compiled by CNC Reporter Manuel Quinones.

Also, a group of Fort Campbell soldiers who are headed to Afghanistan early next year gathered to hear the President’s speech. They had hoped to hear more on how to fight the Taliban in the embattled country.