Senator Bob Corker, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said he supports President Donald J. Trump’s stance on the way forward in Afghanistan.
Senator Corker said, “I had the opportunity to talk with Secretary Tillerson in advance of this evening’s address, and while I look forward to receiving additional details, I support the direction President Trump laid out tonight for the U.S.
role in Afghanistan.
“While there are certainly substantial questions about whether Afghanistan has the capacity over time to provide stable governance to its people, this more focused plan provides the U.S. military with the flexibility it needs to help the Afghan military regain momentum. It also utilizes a conditions-based approach for our military, which should lead to better diplomatic outcomes, and ensures engagement with regional partners, especially Pakistan and India, giving us a better opportunity for success.”
Senator David Perdue said, “President Trump and Secretary Mattis outlined a clear way forward for American involvement in Afghanistan. This is welcome news for our troops, our Afghan partners, and our allies working hard to eradicate terrorism and create stability. Due to weak leadership and arbitrary restrictions of President Obama’s Administration, the situation in Afghanistan is now at a stalemate. The Trump Administration's regional approach will take into account the interrelationship of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India, while working to counter destructive foreign interests. Last month, I visited with General Nicholson, his commanders, the Afghan military and our troops on the ground, and this is exactly the type of plan and leadership from the White House they said they need.
“Tonight, Americans, our troops, and our allies heard directly from President Trump that the United States of America refuses to let Afghanistan become a safe haven for radical Islamic terrorists to mount global attacks. I look forward to working with Secretary Mattis and General Nicholson to ensure they have the resources needed to properly implement this strategy and ensure success in Afghanistan.”