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John Kline: Now is a time for action

David Guttenfelder, Associated Press

U.S. soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division patroled the mountains above the Pech Valley in Afghanistan’s Kunar province on Oct. 25.

As the president mulls his options in Afghanistan, our enemies continue to wage war.

By JOHN KLINE

Last update: October 30, 2009 - 4:52 PM

Six months ago I shared my great confidence in the course President Obama was charting to achieve victory in Afghanistan. Following a bipartisan fact-finding mission to Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkey and Israel, I spoke of broad support among my congressional colleagues and the White House for the measures that would bring us closer to our shared goal of defending the American people and securing peace.

Less than half a year later, however, my confidence in our nation's civilian leadership is fading. It appears political calculations are preventing us from moving toward our common goal. The latest justification for delaying necessary military action is the disputed result of the recent Afghan presidential election. I recognize the value of a stable government with which to work, yet I am struck by the reaction of my colleague Rep. Buck McKeon, R-Calif., who asked, "Are the Taliban waiting for these results to be released before they attack our troops and Afghan civilians?"

At the time of my most recent visit to Afghanistan, President Obama had launched an aggressive counterinsurgency push that included a pledge to deploy more troops to defeat Al-Qaida militants, the Taliban and their allies and emphasize regional diplomacy and economic development. In June, Gen. Stanley McChrystal was confirmed as commander of the International Security Assistance Force and U.S. Forces Afghanistan. In his new post, Gen. McChrystal offered a 66-page confidential assessment identifying the shape for the new strategy in Afghanistan.

It has been many weeks since Gen. McChrystal submitted his assessment and since he handed his request for resources -- including additional troops -- to Defense Secretary Robert Gates. The failure to take action sends a loud and clear statement to the world about America's commitment -- or lack thereof -- to victory in Afghanistan.

The decision to send additional men and women into a war zone is never easy -- nor should it be made lightly or quickly. I don't want to send our sons and daughters -- including my son, who is scheduled to return to Afghanistan early next year -- into a situation we can't win. But I trust the wisdom and experience of our leaders on the ground.

Gen. McChrystal said we're in danger of losing if we don't provide the resources they need. But rather than acting, the Obama administration is waiting. And each delay empowers our enemy and makes the mission of our men and women in uniform more difficult.

Since coming to Congress seven years ago, I have traveled to Afghanistan and neighboring nations on multiple occasions. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I have participated in countless hearings about the evolving situation in that troubled region. A recurring theme in nearly all of these encounters is the struggle our commanders and troops face in trying to convince the local population the United States will not abandon them.

The Afghans have long memories; they have not forgotten our rocky past, nor the lessons learned from centuries of war -- most recently the conflict that devastated their nation in the last quarter century. Continuing delays resurrect this troubled history in the minds of the Afghan population and give the Taliban reason to believe victory is within reach.

In an August address to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, President Obama spoke of his commitment to dismantling Al-Qaida in Afghanistan -- a struggle he said was "fundamental to the defense of our people."

"This is not a war of choice," he said. "This is a war of necessity."

I couldn't agree more. These and other claims lead me to believe the president desires the safety and security of our nation and victory in Afghanistan. I pray he will support his elegant rhetoric with action. And quickly. This is no time to wait.

Rep. John Kline, a Republican, represents Minnesota's Second District in the U.S. House.

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