Washington, DC – Congresswoman Kay Granger (TX-12) released the following statement after the President’s speech at West Point, NY:
“After visiting Afghanistan last week where I met with troops and with General Stanley McChrystal, our brave soldiers need to know that those who send them into battle will support them until the mission is complete.
“It is critical that the United States take a firm stance with the elected Afghan government led by Hamid Karzai. It is clear that disaffection has developed between local leaders and the central government due to persistent corruption. In order for there to be a sustainable peace there must be a functional, transparent government that does not condone corruption and prosecutes those who have abused the system.
“I support the President’s goal of including Pakistan as a key part of the strategy. Pakistan has allowed a safe haven for Al-Qaeda leaders from Afghanistan for far too long. Moving forward without a partnership with Pakistan will only ensure failure as soon as we leave the region. The borders are too porous and the nations are too intertwined to not consider both simultaneously and with equal goals.