The Virginian-Pilot
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After a five-day trip last week to Afghanistan and Pakistan, two Hampton Roads congressmen said they're hopeful that the United States can complete the transfer of military operations to Afghan forces by 2014, as President Barack Obama has proposed.
However, some apprehension remains about corruption within the country's government, said U.S. Rep. Scott Rigell, a Virginia Beach Republican who had not visited Afghanistan before.
"The Afghan people - it's just part of their culture to accept things and a way of life that is different than the way we operate here in the United States," Rigell said, adding that American forces have "a real strategy to push back against that."
U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman, who led the delegation of five members of the House Armed Services Committee, expressed some caution about the firmness of the 2014 date. American forces, he said, "are more focused on how they're going to make sure the Afghan forces have the ability to take over control rather than the absolute 2014 time frame."
The Westmoreland County Republican, who was making his fourth trip to Afghanistan, said he has seen considerable progress since last year, noting that some parts of the country that had been off limits to visiting members of Congress are now secure.
Rigell and Wittman said the morale among American troops that they met was high and the professionalism impressive.
During a stop in Pakistan, the lawmakers met with Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and other leaders who said they are eager to develop stronger ties with the United States, but have concerns about anti-Islamic actions in America.
Almost all the Pakistani officials they met mentioned their concern with threats last fall by a Florida pastor to burn a Koran on the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorists attacks, Rigell said.
There needs to be more engagement between citizens of the two countries, he said.
"We all know a strong U.S.-Pakistan relationship is critical," Wittman said.
Bill Bartel, (757) 446-2398, bill.bartel@pilotonline.com
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Training the Afghan Army
It's really nice to see our Congressmen taking the time to meet with the fledging Afghan army and give them words of encouragement. They are facing an uphill battle against the Taliban but the continued support from the American people can't help but encourage them. I'm glad we can trust our local members of the Armed Services committee to take trips in order to report directly to congress on the progress in our foreign engagements.
With everything that is
With everything that is going wrong in the Middle East it is reassuring to see that Afghanistan is experincing some progress. I am also hopeful that our training of the Afghan army will prepare them for their duty when we leave in 2014. However, I agree with Rep. Whittman that we leave before of job is finished. I am glad Mr. Whittman and Mr. Rigell were able to represent Virginia to the Afghan people.
Leadership
It's great to see our new congressman getting a chance to acquire a first hand account of what's going on in Afghanistan. It's great to see Rep. Rigell showing leadership by example!