Patrick Leahy: “I fear, however, that unless we dramatically increase our efforts there we could lose the peace. The humanitarian…”

“I fear, however, that unless we dramatically increase our efforts there we could lose the peace. The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan remains critical. Thousands of people are still homeless and as winter comes, so too will the very real threat of widespread hunger, even famine. Afghans whose homes were mistakenly bombed have not been helped. There are reports that some Afghans are starting to return to refugee camps in Pakistan. It is a very dire situation. We have a moral duty to help the people of Afghanistan. Beyond that, there are critical U.S. interests at stake in ensuring that this country becomes peaceful and prosperous. That's why I was pleased when, earlier this year, President Bush called for a Marshall Plan for Afghanistan. I commended him for that important announcement, but since that time we have not seen the resources put behind these statements.”