After visiting troops and leaders on the ground in Afghanistan, I'm convinced that our efforts there are as important as ever. While much has changed since I first deployed four years ago, too much remains the same. It’s clear to me that the security situation has deteriorated even further since I deployed there and the threats have evolved, with the emerging threat of ISIS-K and the Taliban taking footholds in new parts of country since the failed Obama strategy of drawdown five years ago.
I also repeat my earlier call for the Trump Administration to provide a progress report to the American people about our efforts in Afghanistan. It’s been over a year since the Administration announced its South Asia Strategy, and the public deserves to know if this strategy is working and why our ongoing investment there is important. Either a visit by the President or a presidential address could go a long way to giving much-needed clarity.
I completely agree with Banks about the president and his administration giving the American people a full accounting of the situation in Afghanistan.