Sustained, substantial U.S. commitment for Afghanistan

THE explosion killed four and injured many others, ripping apart the hustle and bustle of a Kabul morning on the day when Americans in Afghanistan and around the world celebrated Thanksgiving. Several members of Congress, including myself, were nearly a mile away from the suicide bomber at the time of the explosion, safely behind several layers of security, being briefed by the United States military and asking ourselves: What does success in Afghanistan look like, and how do we achieve it?

The purpose of our trip to Afghanistan — led by Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton, D-Mo. — was twofold: to spend Thanksgiving with U.S. troops serving there and to address how the United States and our allies can achieve success in Afghanistan.

Almost exactly one year ago, United States military leadership famously declared that "in Afghanistan we do what we can, in Iraq we do what we must." At that time, some of us in Congress had long been pushing to refocus our efforts on Afghanistan, where the 9/11 attacks originated.

In the seven years since the United States led a coalition to overthrow the Taliban for its role in the attacks of Sept. 11, the United States has crippled al-Qaida there and worked hard to build a secure and democratic Afghanistan. However, a resurgent Taliban and recent increase in violence threaten the progress we have made. The time to refocus on Afghanistan is now.

The two goals of U.S. efforts in Afghanistan should be establishing a stable government and ensuring that Afghanistan is never again a safe haven for terrorists. How do we reach these goals?

First and foremost, success in Afghanistan will require a substantial and sustained commitment from the United States and its allies. President-elect Barack Obama has made his commitment to Afghanistan clear. Recent Iraqi parliament approval of a U.S. military drawdown in Iraq as part of a Status of Forces Agreement may provide the opportunity we need to direct more attention and resources to Afghanistan.

Second, the Afghan National Army (ANA) must increase in size and capability so the Afghan government can control its own security. I recall a House Armed Services Committee hearing several years ago when we were told that the U.S. military aimed to train a 70,000-person Afghan army. We now estimate that a 134,000-person Afghan army is needed. Congress may soon consider a request from the new administration to achieve this goal.

Third, the United States must combine police training with anti-corruption and reconstruction efforts. One problem we face is that while the United States and some of our allies conduct military operations to clear areas of insurgents, we must rely on Afghan National Police (ANP) to maintain stability. Unfortunately, the ANP is underfunded and, in many areas, corrupted by the very people we are trying to defeat.

On the Thanksgiving trip, senior military and civilian officials told our delegation that military raids will be more successful if they are coupled with stronger efforts to promote local economic development and crack down on corruption.

Fourth, Congress and the American people must support President-elect Obama's call for additional U.S. brigades in Afghanistan to complement the existing efforts of U.S., NATO and other coalition partners. These brigades should focus on reconstruction, security and training Afghan security forces. President Obama may be able to take advantage of a surge of goodwill in Europe to persuade our European partners to send more troops. I encourage him to act swiftly.

Finally, the Afghan people must have a stake in their government and ownership over their future. Sometime in 2009, the Afghans will have a national presidential election. This election — only the second in the post-Taliban era — will be an important milestone. It is critical that the Afghan people feel safe enough, and sufficiently invested in the election results, to go to the polls.

Other challenges remain. Afghanistan's path to success is complicated by a range of regional problems, including an economy driven by the opium trade, complex ethnic and tribal rivalries and a contentious relationship with Pakistan. However, I remain heartened by the fortitude of the Afghan people and the optimism of the American women and men serving there. They are working hard to do what they must. So must our leaders.