I recently journeyed to Iraq and Afghanistan as part of a congressional delegation led by Senator John McCain.  It was a trip of cargo planes and helicopters, flak jackets and helmets – difficult but very informative.   The purpose was to assess our military, political, and economic operations, to confer with military and political leaders of the region, and to thank our troops for their sacrifice and commitment. 

 

This was my third trip to Iraq and Afghanistan.  In Iraq, I went to Baghdad, Ramadi – the capital of the dangerous Anbar province – and Basra, the southern port city.   In Afghanistan, I journeyed to Kabul and Khost, a province on the border with Pakistan.   As always, the highlight of this visit was my conversation with men and women from Maine serving in these dangerous lands. 

 

I am so impressed by the men and women of our armed forces.  Our troops are brave, dedicated, compassionate, and highly skilled.  They are a credit to our nation, and they enhance the legacy established by those who wore our nation’s uniform in previous generations. 

 

It gave me great pleasure to bring to our troops a little gift of balsam sachets from Washington County, the fragrance of Maine.  They were delighted with the sachets.  A Maine soldier told me that he would hang the sachet by his cot so that he could dream of Maine.

 

Although I serve on the Senate Armed Services Committee, the opportunity to visit these two war-torn countries gave me access to information and insight that only comes from being out in the field.  In Iraq, I found that the war is very different depending on where one is.  In Baghdad, sectarian violence between the Sunnis and Shi’ites threatens the very existence of Iraq as a nation, has engulfed the capitol in violence, and has cost the lives of our troops and thousands of innocent Iraqis.  One Iraqi woman told me that every day when she leaves her home, she wonders if she will make it back that evening.  Indeed, while we were in meetings on our first day in Baghdad, more than 60 people were killed. 

 

Iraq’s President Talbani told us that he is most fearful each day going through police checkpoints, a telling commentary on the corruption and infiltration afflicting the police force.

 

In contrast to the sectarian violence gripping Baghdad, the fight in the western province of Anbar is with “Al Qaeda in Iraq,” and the violence there is most often Sunnis versus Sunnis.  Unexpectedly, we heard some good news in Anbar.  A group of leading Sunni tribal leaders has decided to back the coalition against Al Qaeda.  If this development holds, it could finally bring stability to Anbar, long considered the most hostile and dangerous region of Iraq.

 

In Basra, we met with British commanders who talked about the declining “consent line” – that is, when the British first arrived, their presence was welcomed by the population, but as time has gone on, their presence is less and less tolerated.

 

Needless to say, there was much discussion in all of our meetings – whether with Iraqi leaders, American or British commanders, or rank-and-file troops – about whether or not more American troops are needed.  My conclusion is that it would be a mistake to send more troops to Baghdad.  Prime Minister Maliki did not welcome the prospect of more American troops and indeed seemed frustrated that he did not have more control over his own troops.  One American general told me that a jobs program in Baghdad would do more good than additional troops.  And it seems to me that the Iraqis themselves need to step up to deal with the sectarian violence plaguing the Baghdad region.  Ultimately, resolving the sectarian violence requires a political, not a military, solution in which the Sunni minority is more fully integrated into the government. 

 

The one region where an American commander, General Kilmer, did specifically express the need for more troops was in Anbar province.  General Kilmer told us that he could use another brigade (about 3,000 troops) or even two to build on the positive developments in the region.  I agree with his assessment, but think that a reallocation of troops, rather than an overall increase, could meet his need.

 

Turning to Afghanistan, I found that the Afghans face three serious threats: nacro-trafficking, corruption, and a resurgence of the Taliban.  The opium trade makes up 35 percent of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product, and Afghanistan is the source of 90 percent of the world’s heroin.  USAID has sponsored a program designed to convert farmers from growing poppies to other high-value crops such as fruit and nuts, but so far, it does not seem to have been very effective.  Living in a desperately poor country in which nearly three-quarters of the population over age 15 is illiterate, Afghan farmers are hesitant to convert to other crops that are less lucrative.

 

With the drug trade has come corruption.  We met with the new Attorney General who is clearly committed to cracking down on corrupt officials.  His energy and determination are clear, but his task seems overwhelming.  It should be a high priority for our government to give him the support and protection he needs to be effective.

 

The resurgence of the Taliban is, in part, the result of a sanctuary that Pakistan President Musharraf has created in the region bordering Afghanistan.  Although a safe haven was not President Musharraf’s intention, that has been the result.  President Karzai told us that every single one of the suicide bombers killing Afghans has been from Pakistan. 

 

As a result, the relationship between Afghan President Karzai and Pakistan’s Musharraf has deteriorated steadily, yet their cooperation is vital to combating the Taliban. 

 

There were some bright spots.  We visited a training facility for the Afghan National Army, and we were all impressed with the toughness and pride of the Afghan soldiers. 

 

In addition, several NATO countries, including the U.S., Great Britain, Canada, and the Netherlands, have fought courageously to bring stability to Afghanistan's south. After the winter passes, however, all observers anticipate a resurgence of violence in the spring, and it is critical that NATO engage this fight unencumbered by restrictions some nations, such as France, have placed on their ability to battle the enemy.

 

I appreciated having the opportunity to see first-hand the challenges that we face in Afghanistan and Iraq, particularly at a time when our nation faces critical choices in determining our future strategy in both countries.