McCaul Calls for Change of Course in Afghanistan:Tour of Region Reveals Flaw in U.S. Strategy

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX) called for a change of strategy in America's War on Terror in Afghanistan. It would decentralize power away from the capital of Kabul, which has little influence over the rest of the country, and empower Afghanistan’s tribal leaders to work with the United States to fight our common enemy – the Taliban and al Qaeda – to which Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai does not appear fully committed.

"Politically we have not handled this well. The United States does not have a fullpartner in this war,” said Rep. McCaul, Chairman of Homeland Security Oversight & Investigations and a member of the Foreign Affairs Middle East Subcommittee. “Unlike Iraq, our military is hamstrung by rules of engagement under Karzai that at times prevent us from fully engaging the enemy.”

"Iraq will have challenges but I believe it will be able to stand on its own. However, I am not as optimistic that Afghanistan will be able to do the same even two years from now," said McCaul, citing progress and pockets of stability as result of U.S. Military operations.

Congressman McCaul led a delegation of five members of the House Homeland Security Committee to Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq. In Afghanistan they were briefed by U.S. Ambassador Ryan Crocker; General John Allen, Commander of U.S. Operations in Afghanistan; and held numerous meetings with American and Afghan forces.

PAKISTAN

Congressman McCaul emerged from Pakistan concerned about U.S. Military forecasts suggesting a 50-50 chance that extremists could take over the country within five years, potentially gaining control of Pakistan's nuclear arsenal, if President Asif Ali Zardari does not take a stand.

Meeting with Rep. McCaul, President Zardari expressed a commitment to eradicating the Haqqani terrorist network, which is primarily responsible for attacks on American forces in Afghanistan. However, McCaul remains unconvinced that President Zardari has enough control over his military and intelligence to follow through.

Six months after U.S. Forces located and killed Osama Bin Laden one mile from Pakistan's military academy, Rep. McCaul made it clear to President Zardari that the terms of U.S.-Pakistani relations must change moving forward. "I tried to make it clear to him that foreign aide from the United States is in jeopardy, especially in the House," Congressman McCaul said. Zardari expressed his desire for increased trade between the two countries, making Pakistan less reliant on foreign aid, as a key to long-term trust.

IRAQ

Once U.S. forces exit Iraq at the end of this year the country should be able to stand on its own. However, Congressman McCaul is concerned about Iran's attempt to use "soft power" to infiltrate Iraq through its political system.

"Eventually they have to stand up. We can't occupy and nation-build forever," said Rep. McCaul. "What you'll likely see in the future in the War on Terror is a base of operations in the region and we will have good intelligence, Special Forces and drones to deal with threats in a smarter, more efficientway."

“I would advocate deployment of additional DHS personnel to train Iraqis to control their borders, monitor terrorist financing and build the capacity of the nation to fight terrorism,” Rep. McCaul added.

Leaving the region, Congressman McCaul and the delegation spent Veterans Day at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany meeting with wounded American soldiers and personally thanking them for their service and their sacrifice.

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