Thomas Daschle: “it is now just more than a year since our Armed Forces started Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. This is a…”

“it is now just more than a year since our Armed Forces started Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. This is a fitting time to look back at what we have accomplished, and ahead at the challenges that remain. I am reminded of a young Army private from Midland, SD, whom I met in Uzbekistan last February. He had gone to Uzbekistan just after completing a tour of duty in Bosnia, foregoing leave, because, he told me, that is where our country needed him. I am certain that each member of this body knows someone from his or her State who has made a contribution to our successful effort in Afghanistan. On behalf of every member of the Congress and the American people, let me say how proud and grateful we are for those efforts. Our military quickly and effectively accomplished its objective of removing the repressive Taliban regime. The challenge before us now is whether we can promote peace and economic and political stability as effectively as we waged and won the war.”