Afghanistan
Senator Franken supports President Obama’s strategy in Afghanistan and insists on full congressional oversight of the war effort. He will also continue to push for greater attention to the civilian component of our effort in Afghanistan.
The Bush Administration’s misguided war in Iraq led us to neglect our efforts in Afghanistan, the base of the Al Qaeda terrorists who attacked us on September 11, 2001. Even today, the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan remains Al Qaeda’s base. Taliban control of Afghanistan would not only make the country a safe haven once again for Al Qaeda, it could dramatically destabilize a fragile region with two large nuclear states, Pakistan and India.
Senator Franken supports the President’s July 2011 date for beginning to withdraw our troops. When he traveled to Afghanistan and Pakistan in January 2010, Senator Franken spoke to troops and civilians on the ground who briefed him on the situation.
Senator Franken supports strong oversight of our mission in Afghanistan to ensure that the civilian side of the United States’ efforts in Afghanistan is not neglected.
