Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, just today we heard reports that two more American servicemembers in Afghanistan were gunned down by the very security forces they are helping to train. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. Last week, two Army officers were gunned down inside the Afghan Interior Ministry. Attacks by Afghan soldiers and security forces have accounted for nearly 70 deaths since 2007. The U.S. military did a report on this phenomenon, referred to as ``Green on Blue'' attacks, and determined that they are turning into a ``growing systemic threat'' to our military personnel in the region. These are not U.S. deaths from combat with Taliban and other insurgent groups, although some of the perpetrators likely hold Taliban sympathies. These attacks are by the very forces our military is trying to train to take control of their own country--a significant component of the Obama administration's military draw-down strategy. What are American forces to do when they doubt whether they can trust those who wear the uniform of an ally we are spending blood and treasure supporting? These attacks further complicate U.S. strategy. Mr. Speaker, Congress and the Obama administration need to realize that these things are not going well in Afghanistan, and it has nothing to do with the capabilities of our troops. Not only are Afghan security forces gunning down their American advisers, terrorist and insurgent groups continue to find sanctuary in the tribal wilderness areas of Pakistan.…”