Tom Lantos: “None of this can be accomplished without security. The United States is providing critical assistance to create a new…”

“None of this can be accomplished without security. The United States is providing critical assistance to create a new professional, multi-ethnic Afghan army that will address Afghanistan's long-term security needs. I support this assistance, and the bill before the House today authorizes military assistance to contribute to this effort. However, building Afghan security forces to the point where they can meet the security needs of Afghanistan will take at least a year-and-a-half and probably considerably longer. The period between now and the time that the Afghan military force can assume its duties is the critical period to assure the future of a secure Afghanistan. Something must be done now, Madam Chairman, whether it is the expansion of a multinational force or through some other mechanism to stabilize the countryside. Neither we nor our Afghan friends have the luxury to wait until a future security force, as yet only dreamed of, becomes fully trained and deployed. My amendment requires the administration to address this issue in a constructive manner. It requires the administration to formulate a strategy to increase security in the country during the transition to a fully functioning national army and police force. I fear that a failure to do so may lead to a failed Afghanistan. It will reduce international assistance. It will delay the accomplishment of our military objectives far longer. It will compel our military to stay in the region.”