Reactions to Obama’s Afghanistan speech
A sampling of reactions to the speech President Obama delivered tonight, in which he announced plans to begin withdrawing US forces from Afghanistan, starting next months.
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US SENATOR JOHN KERRY, DEMOCRAT:
“The president correctly laid out the next phase of our strategy in Afghanistan – a transition to Afghan control that begins by redeploying the 33,000 surge troops starting next month and ending next summer, and puts the Afghans in complete control by 2014.
“In doing so, he kept the commitment he made to the American people 18 months ago at West Point. As a result of the gains made since the course correction outlined at West Point, we’re now operating from a position of strength.
“We have halted the Taliban’s momentum, particularly in the south. Bin Laden’s death was a fundamental blow to Al Qaeda, and its ability to strike has been disrupted significantly.
“By increasing the resources and capacity of the Afghan security forces and its civilian sector, we have given Afghans the chance to build and defend their own country.
“Our ability to capitalize on the surge and bring home 33,000 troops over the next 15 months is a testament to the success of the strategy and the courageous sacrifices of our young men and women in uniform and their civilian counterparts.’’
Kerry is a Navy veteran and chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
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US SENATOR SCOTT BROWN, REPUBLICAN:
“I believe President Obama is well-intentioned in wanting to bring home our troops as soon as possible, but we have to be careful not to sacrifice the security gains we have made.
“I plan to continue to talk to the generals and leaders making these decisions in order to have all the facts.
“I have also requested to go to Afghanistan this summer, which will give me additional perspective about the conditions on the ground.’’
Brown is a member of the Massachusetts National Guard and a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.
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MITT ROMNEY, REPUBLICAN:
“We all want our troops to come home as soon as possible, but we shouldn’t adhere to an arbitrary timetable on the withdrawal of our troops from Afghanistan.
“This decision should not be based on politics or economics.
“America’s brave men and women in uniform have fought to achieve significant progress in Afghanistan, some having paid the ultimate price.
“I look forward to hearing the testimony of our military commanders in the days ahead.’’
Romney, the former governor of Massachusetts, is a Republican candidate for president.
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TIM PAWLENTY, REPUBLICAN:
“I thought his speech tonight was deeply concerning,’’ Pawlenty said on the Fox News Channel.
“Look how he phrased the outcome of this war. He said we need to end the war ‘responsibly.’
“When America goes to war, America needs to win. We need to close out the war successfully. And what that means now is not nation-building. What it means is to follow General (David) Petraeus’ advice and to get those security forces built up to the point where they can pick up the slack as we draw down.
“This decision should be based on conditions on the ground and success, not some vague notions of a responsible wind down and then jumping over what the real mission is now which is stabilizing the security of the country.’’
Pawlenty, the former governor of Minnesota, is a Republican candidate for president.
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JON HUNTSMAN, REPUBLICAN:
“With America mired in three expensive conflicts, we have a generational opportunity to reset our position in the world in a way that makes sense for our security as well as our budget.
“The war in Afghanistan is an asymmetrical war, and our approach ought to adjust accordingly. Our troops have done everything we’ve asked them to. They’ve routed the Taliban, dismantled Al Qaeda, and facilitated democratic elections.
“Now it is time we move to a focused counter-terror effort which requires significantly fewer boots on the ground than the President discussed tonight.
“We need a safe but rapid withdrawal which encourages Afghans to assume responsibility, while leaving in place a strong counter intelligence and special forces effort proportionate to the threat.
“The War on Terror is being fought against a global enemy, and it is critical that we have the resources to fight them wherever they’re found.’’
Huntsman, the former governor of Utah, is a Republican candidate for president.
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BOB MASSIE, DEMOCRAT:
“I support the president’s long-term plan to withdraw our troops and refocus our strategy in Central Asia.
“This requires a significant and immediate drawdown of forces in Afghanistan – starting this year. The Obama administration has made some encouraging commitments, and there can be no failures or delays.
“Our current presence in Afghanistan is not yielding enough in terms of security and prosperity, and the costs are now simply too great.
“We cannot continue to sacrifice dozens of lives each month and divert over $70 billion a year from essential services and job-creating investments here in America.
“We will have an enduring responsibility to the Afghan people and their still-weak institutions – aid for education and good government will help drive human rights and America’s security interests.’’
Massie, a Somerville resident, is a candidate for US Senate from Massachusetts.
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