Talk Radio News Service: News, Politics, Media

Travis Martinez, University of New Mexico/Talk Radio News Service

Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) stated Monday that sending additional U.S. troops to Afghanistan will be fruitless without an updated strategy.

“The bottom line is that deploying additional troops won’t result in sustainable gains if the Afghan security, civilian and governance capacity isn’t there,” Kerry said during a speech to the Council on Foreign Relations.

Kerry, who chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, suggested that both the Generals on the ground in Afghanistan and U.S. leaders develop a plan that establishes an attainable mission in the region.

“If we redefine our strategy and objectives to focus on what is achievable as well as critical, and empower the Afghans to take control of their own future, we will give us the best chance to succeed,” said Kerry.

The Massachusetts Democrat condemned General Stanley McChrystal's call for approximately 40,000 more troops, saying it goes too far and that a solely military approach will not fix the region.

Kerry also spoke on Pakistan's significance in the region, stating that there needs to be a supportive and open relationship between both the U.S. and Pakistani governments.

“Regardless of what happens in Afghanistan, and especially if we want to reduce the need for boots on the ground, it is vitally important that we intensify our support and improve our cooperation with Pakistan,” said Kerry.