Recent Developments in Afghanistan and the Proposed Drawdown of U.S. Forces

Strategic Insights -

Representative Howard "Buck" McKeon's House Armed Services Committee hearing on recent developments in Afghanistan and the proposed drawdown of U.S. forces was held on Thursday, June 23, 2011. The hearing focused on the Obama administration's strategy to bring home 33,000 troops by next summer and the continued presence of U.S. forces in Afghanistan. The witnesses included Defense Undersecretary for Policy Michele Flournoy and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Michael Mullen.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Obama administration plans to bring home 33,000 troops by next summer, with 30,000 troops remaining in Afghanistan.
  • Admiral Mullen stated that the focus of U.S. strategy in Afghanistan is to maintain combat power through the fighting season and to ensure the country's stability.
  • Mullen emphasized the need for a regional approach, focusing on the entire region, including Pakistan, and not just Afghanistan.
  • He argued that cutting U.S. forces in half by next summer would undo the gains made since the surge began and would jeopardize the strategy's success.
  • Representative Langevin questioned the marginal utility of having the extra 17,000 troops after 30,000 troops are brought home by next summer.
  • Admiral Mullen acknowledged that the Haqqani network, which is closely tied to al-Qaida, continues to destabilize Afghanistan.

Statistics:

  • The Obama administration plans to bring home 33,000 troops by next summer.
  • 30,000 troops will remain in Afghanistan after the drawdown.
  • The U.S. has spent billions of dollars on the war in Afghanistan.
  • Thousands of lives have been lost or wounded in the conflict.
  • Al-Qaida is effectively gone from Afghanistan, but new terrorist threats are emerging in other regions.
  • 17,000 extra troops that would remain in Afghanistan would be necessary to achieve 50% force cuts by next summer.

Sources:

  • Federal News Service, Inc., Ste. 500, 1000 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005 USA
  • [www.fednews.com](http://www.fednews.com)
  • Carina Nyberg, cnyberg@fednews.com or 1-800-211-4020