I opposed the war in Iraq because I felt it distracted us from finishing the job we had started in Afghanistan--finding and bringing to justice those who attacked us on 9/11. I think we have to acknowledge that the current Administration has accomplished more in less time to address the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan than the previous Administration did during its eight years in power. The capture of Mullah Baradar and the disruption of the Quetta, Pakistan-based Taliban leadership group headed by Mullah Omar--these significant tactical successes are the direct result of President Obama's current policies, particularly his success in pressuring the government of Pakistan to live up to its obligations to help us root out the remaining Al Qaeda and Afghan Taliban elements at large in Pakistan. The bad news is that every time we take out one of their field commanders, several more rise to take their place. This is the nature of insurgency, it is the nature of the problem that confronts us, and it is not a problem that will be resolved by the continuous, endless use of military force.
Editor's note · Context
The speaker discusses U.S. policy in Afghanistan and the impact of military actions against the Taliban.
Share
More from Steven Holt
I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Quigley), a coproposer and coauthor of this amendment.
How much time remains? The Acting CHAIRMAN. The gentleman from New Jersey has 1\1/2\ minutes remaining.
I appreciate the gentleman's comments, and I can certainly sum up quickly to say that I think it is important that we understand how effectively suicide prevention programs at the Department of Defense, the VA, and the Consumer Financial…
I have an amendment at the desk that affects line 18, I believe. The Acting CHAIR. The Chair notes that the amendment addresses a portion of the bill not yet read for amendment. Is there objection to consideration of the amendment at this…