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House Armed Services Committee
Chairman Skelton's opening statement--February 13, 2007

"We meet today to continue our discussion of the way forward in Afghanistan. With us are several distinguished witnesses: Ms. Mary Beth Long, Principle Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Affairs at the Defense Department; Lieutenant General Karl Eikenberry, and Mr. John Gastright, Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs and Coordinator for Afghanistan at the State Department.

"Welcome to you all. General Eikenberry, as always, it is particularly good to see you. I want to commend you for the excellent job you did as Commander of the Combined Forces Command-Afghanistan.

"I was in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan two weeks ago, as part of a delegation led by Speaker Pelosi. Coming away from that trip, I think you and the other military leaders there have done exceptional work, but our efforts there continue to face significant challenges, particularly as we head toward spring. Bottom line, I came away convinced that we can defeat the Taliban and Al Qaeda in Afghanistan, if we stay focused, and devote if we devote the right troops in the right numbers to the task.

"I am pleased to see the administration recently focus more on Afghanistan and focusing on its strategy. We lost critical time because of insufficient forces and inadequate resources. Recently, there has been movement-a new Afghanistan Strategic Review; a request for supplemental assistance in the budget package, which includes funds for the Afghan Security Forces; and efforts to press our NATO allies to fulfill commitments.

"These developments are only part of what is needed -- a well-coordinated comprehensive strategy that demonstrates long-term U.S. commitment to security and stability in Afghanistan.

"Afghanistan has been the forgotten war. Some opportunities there have been squandered, but there is still a chance to set things right, particularly if we seize this moment to establish real security. But we must do much more to secure and stabilize the country while the effort there is still winnable.

"Most critically, our NATO partners must do much more. They have made commitments to the fight in Afghanistan- and some have been involved in heavy combat and endured losses. But many commitments remain unfulfilled. Our partners must seriously step up their efforts by fulfilling their obligations for both troops and aid, and by freeing their forces from restrictive "national caveats" that limit their ability to fight.

"For NATO to operate effectively, each member must be able to rely on every other member of NATO to carry its share of the burden. That is not happening in Afghanistan today, despite the fact that NATO invoked Article 5 in response to the 9/11 attacks. And despite the fact that the whole world stands to gain if Afghanistan succeeds.

"The delegation I recently traveled with to Afghanistan all reached these same conclusions. So did the experts who testified at this Committee's hearing on Afghanistan just the day after I returned from the country.

"I am particularly concerned about the anticipated spring upturn in the insurgency. It is a short time away and success is critical. The Taliban and Al Qaeda must also be destroyed for good, so Afghanistan will never again become a terrorist harbor. This demands a longer-term multi-faceted effort.

"Lasting security in Afghanistan necessarily involves the border region with Pakistan and the development of competent Afghan security forces. Opium production is at record levels, and unless tackled more effectively, it could undermine all other efforts to stabilize the country. Corruption is also rampant. The authority of the central government is limited. And much of the population remains illiterate and impoverished.

"These are daunting problems and ones that won't be overcome quickly. But I would like our witnesses will help us understand the following: what will it take to defeat the anticipated spring offensive? What will it take to defeat the Taliban and Al Qaeda in Afghanistan for good? And third, what is the U.S. doing to increase support from our NATO partners?

"Now I turn to my good friend and colleague from California, Duncan Hunter, for any statement he may wish to make."

"Mr Chairman, I yield back."