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Nominee to Be US Ambassador to Afghanistan Calls for More Aid to War-Torn Nation

By Deborah Tate
Washington
26 March 2009

President Barack Obama's nominee to be the next U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan says more resources are needed for the war and the civilian rebuilding effort in that country. Testimony to a Senate panel Thursday, came as the Obama administration privately briefed lawmakers on its new strategy in Afghanistan.

With violence escalating in Afghanistan, Army Lieutenant General Eikenberry said the United States and its allies must do more to help stabilize the country.

"The situation in Afghanistan is increasingly difficult, and time is of the essence," he said. "There will be no substitute for more resources and sacrifice."

Appearing at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Eikenberry said more needs to be done to build the Afghan army and police forces, strengthen Afghan government at the local and national levels, improve the rule of law and make better progress in combating the drug trade.

His comments come as the Obama administration is about to announce a new strategy in Afghanistan, and will send 17,000 more troops to the war effort.

Eikenberry said there can be no lasting success in Afghanistan until the problem of terrorist sanctuary in Pakistan is addressed.

The New York Times reports that operatives in Pakistan's military intelligence provide cash, supplies and strategic advice to Taliban militia.

Eikenberry did not comment directly on the report, but said Pakistan has a very unclear and ambiguous relationship with the Taliban. He said the country's intelligence agency, known as ISI, may still be providing support to extremist fighters.

"It has been unclear whether all elements of ISI have dropped their support of the Taliban and their extremist allies," he continued.

Eikenberry said U.S., Afghan and Pakistan officials are to meet in early May to discuss improving cooperation, including intelligence exchanges, in the fight against extremists.

Senator John Kerry, a Massachusetts Democrat and chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said he soon plans to reintroduce legislation which seeks to triple nonmilitary aid to Pakistan while holding security forces more accountable for assistance provided in the fight against the Taliban and al-Qaida.

Kerry praised Eikenberry, who has served as the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan and is deputy chairman of the NATO military committee in Brussels, as the right person for the job.

"In Lieutenant General Karl Eikenberry, the president has chosen an exceptionally skilled and deeply knowledgeable public servant to represent the United States in Afghanistan," said Kerry.

Eikenberry's nomination was also endorsed by the top Republican on the committee, Senator Richard Lugar of Indiana.

"As our ambassador to Afghanistan, General Eikenberry will be able to draw upon extensive experience in engaging international partners and facilitating a more collaborative effort with the Afghans," said Lugar.

Eikenberry could be confirmed by the Senate as early as next week.