WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS) remarked on the President’s plan for Afghanistan:

“I have long said that in order to finish the missions in both Iraq and Afghanistan, we must trust the advice of our commanders on the ground,” Senator Roberts said. “I am especially confident in experienced leaders like General Petraeus and General Caldwell, who both recently served as the Commanding General at Fort Leavenworth. I have no doubt that General Petraeus is bringing his extensive experience to bear and that General Caldwell is working hard to ensure the Afghan forces will eventually be self sufficient, allowing our troops to come home.

“To be successful, Afghanistan needs to be able to govern and defend itself from terrorists within the country. The key question for the American people, our allies, the people of Afghanistan and especially our adversaries will be whether the President accepts responsibility for what has to be done and through his actions demonstrates that he is fully committed to the difficult task of bringing stability to the region. If this is the case, I support the President’s increase in troop levels. However, I remain concerned that artificial time lines for withdrawal will tie the hands and further endanger our men and women in uniform while emboldening the Taliban and other terrorists. I hope this will not be the case.”

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