-- Randy’s Roundup --

A Weekly Newsletter from Congressman Randy Neugebauer

December 7, 2009

Travels to Afghanistan

I have just returned from spending two days in Afghanistan as a part of the first Congressional Delegation to visit since President Obama made his announcement regarding additional troops. The challenges in Afghanistan are immense, so it was important for me to see the situation on the ground and hear directly from our troops and commanders. The journey took me to Kabul, Khandahar, and to the Forward Operation Base Spin Boldak.  Throughout my time in Afghanistan, I met with Afghan President Hamid Karzai, senior military commanders and diplomatic leaders and, most importantly, men and women in uniform representing Texas. The following are some of my thoughts and reflections from my visit.

Afghanistan is a complex country suffering from years of conflict, an uneducated population, and limited resources.  These challenges have provided many unique obstacles to General McChrystal and his team. Although I was unable to meet with General McChrystal, who was back in Washington at the time, it was clear from Lt. General David Rodriguez, Commander, International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) Joint Command and ISAF NATO Training Mission Commander Lt. General William Caldwell, and others that there is a plan, and they are putting the structure and policies in place.  This was very refreshing to me because I have not felt as if we had as clearly defined goals and objectives in Afghanistan as we did in Iraq.

While I have complete faith in our generals and leaders on the ground, I remain uncertain of President Karzai. As you know, President Karzai just went through a much contested race for President that came with widespread complaints of voting irregularities.  Although I am personally disappointed in Mr. Karzai, he is the President and it is up to him to lead his country and show the Afghan people there is a benefit to their new government. While in our meeting, my colleagues and I expressed concerns about his leadership and the reported corruption that still seems to be prevalent in his cabinet and those who he has appointed to help run the government.  I reminded him that the American people have made a substantial investment in his country both with the lives of American military personnel and the cost of the war. I also emphasized that it is incumbent upon him to do his part and put together a government that his people trust and that could function to keep the peace as well as build a nation. At a time when America is suffering from high unemployment and staggering deficits, I think it is important for President Karzai to understand what is at stake.

Throughout my trip, I also had several opportunities to meet and share meals with our men and women in uniform. I wish everyone could have the opportunity to see them at work, doing the job we have asked them to do.  They are truly America’s finest.  Their dedication, commitment, and competence make you proud to be an American.  Many had multiple deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, yet they never complain.  Missed birthdays, Christmases, Thanksgivings, and soccer games all add up. I hope you realize what sacrifices they make for our country.  Not just the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and civilians, but their families too. I love being around them, and I pray for them daily.

After returning from Afghanistan, it is my firm belief that the President and Congress must demonstrate an unbreakable commitment to defeating our enemy and ensuring our troops have the resources they need to stay safe and carry out their mission to the end. However, the overall success will not be determined by our brave men and women in uniform, for they can do the job. Rather, the responsibility will lie in the hands of the Afghan people.  They must take ownership of their country and make the decisions and sacrifices that are necessary to be a free people.

Note: If you would like to view photos from my trip, please click here.

“Question of the Week”

Do you support a tax increase to pay for the President's new strategy in Afghanistan, as proposed by some Democrats in Congress?

Please visit my website to submit your answer to this week’s question.