Brian Jones: “Again, I try to get to the floor once a week to talk about our failed policy in Afghanistan. Last Thursday, an article…”

“Again, I try to get to the floor once a week to talk about our failed policy in Afghanistan. Last Thursday, an article in Politico reminded us of the difficulty of trying to change a culture like Afghanistan. It is nearly impossible. For centuries, outside influences have been trying, but we are never going to be able to change the belief systems and culture of the Middle East. The Politico article stated that parts of Afghanistan were stuck in the 14th century. We are supporting a corrupt country and a culture where it is commonplace for grown men to have sexual relations with young boys. The American taxpayer should be outraged to know that their tax dollars are going to support this kind of practice. Yesterday, The Washington Post published an article, titled, ``U.S. Construction Projects in Afghanistan Challenged by Inspector General's Report.'' While discussing the fact that projects implemented in Afghanistan by Americans will not be possible for the Afghans to sustain once the United States leaves, the question for policymakers in Washington is whether the massive influx of American spending in Afghanistan is actually making the problem worse. One such project to provide electricity requires purchasing diesel fuel to run the generators enough to power about 2,500 Afghan homes or small businesses and is projected to cost the United States' taxpayers about $220 million through 2013. Mr.…”