Peters Statement on President Trump’s Proposed Military Strategy in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), a member of the Senate Armed Services and Homeland Security Committees and a former Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve, released the following statement regarding President Trump’s national address on American military strategy in Afghanistan and South Asia:

“American military strategy in Afghanistan must work in conjunction with diplomatic efforts in the region to affirm our support for the Afghan people, prevent terrorist groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS from gaining a stronger foothold to launch terrorist attacks, and bring much-needed peace and stability to the region.

“Over the last several months, I have been very concerned by President Trump’s reluctance to develop and approve an Afghanistan strategy, and I was disappointed to see him speak last night without laying out a clear strategy to the American people. This lack of clarity will only hinder our military’s ability to execute its mission.

“Our brave men and women in uniform, and their families, have sacrificed so much in the line of duty, and we must always keep them in mind when considering new military strategies. I urge President Trump to work with Congress to clarify his strategy in Afghanistan and provide our military with clear leadership to meet our goals of providing stability and limiting the influence of terrorist groups in the region.”

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