McChrystal Testifies Before Congress, Supports President’s Afghanistan Strategy

General Stanley McChrystal, the top commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, told the House Armed Services Committee Tuesday that he supports the Afghan military strategy outlined by President Barack Obama last week.

The strategy, which includes sending 30,000 additional U.S. troops and a withdrawal date set for July 2011, was described by McChrystal as “achievable” and “a realistic and effective approach.”

“We will have a significantly increased force on the ground that is going to allow us to turn the momentum ... over about the next eighteen months,” said McChrystal.

The 30,000 troop number falls short of the 40,000 McChrystal initially recommended.

McChrystal denied having any role in establishing the withdrawal timetable and candidly acknowledged the risks that could come with it.

“I do want to say up front, there are people who will grab onto that, I think inappropriately, and they will try to use it in information operations and describe it as something that it is not in terms of lack of commitment on the part of U.S. and the coalition,” said McChrystal. “But I think we can deal with that.”

Added the four-star general, “I don’t view July 2011 as a deadline, I view that as a point that at which time the president has directed we will begin to reduce combat forces, but we will decide the pace and scope of that based upon conditions of that time.”

McChrystal’s testimony comes after months of anticipation from both Republicans and Democrats. In September, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) expressed his desire to hear from McChrystal and House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) has made numerous requests for a Capitol Hill appearance from the General over the past several months.

Securing Iraq

Iraqi Interior Minister Jawad al-Bolani described the current security situation in Iraq at the United States Institute of Peace. Speaking through a translator, al-Bolani said changes in Iraq since 2003 have improved security functions that guarantee Iraqis’ freedoms and liberties. In reference to Iraqi detainees, he assured due process would respect each individual’s rights though he did not know a total number of current detainees being held.

Al-Bolani said Iraqi security forces continue to develop a camaraderie with Iraqi civilians, building a bridge of confidence that eases tension and promotes stability. He stated that the Ministry of the Interior, in an effort to improve itself, is working to keep politics out of the ministry and ridding itself of corrupt officials. He also said over 100,000 recruits from throughout Iraq have been trained at security facilities, recruiting largely from previously unstable regions like al-Anbar province. Al-Bolani said he hopes improved security will make Iraqis less reliant on Coalition forces.

When asked what would occur if the United States were to withdraw from Iraq in 21 months, al-Bolani seemed to avoid the question, saying the issue could be better addressed if security forces’ successes are maintained. He also stated he believes a committee will be formed to investigate violations of Iraqi law committed by American soldiers.

McCain accused of fueling anti-Americanism

Sen. John McCain’s opposition to a withdrawal from Iraq, a move supported by the Iraqi government, was criticized in a conference call held by the Obama campaign. Moderator Denis McDonough said McCain discourages Iraqis from becoming self-sufficient and questioned how McCain plans to end the war without letting Iraq defend itself.

Former Secretary of the Navy Richard Danzig said McCain must explain to Iraqis and Americans why he stands in opposition to the majority viewpoints held in each country. Danzig stated that war is fought to bring peace and questioned how peace can prevail when Iraqis are ignored. He said fundamentalists are able to support their anti-American claims that the United States means to establish itself in the region through McCain’s anti-withdrawal stance. Danzig continued, saying that diversion in Iraq hinders the United States’s success in the global War on Terror.

Major General Geoffrey Lambert, (USA, Ret.) said increased oil revenues and a new confidence stemming from Iraqi forces’ greater capabilities have led to Iraq’s support of a withdrawal schedule. Lambert stated that these signs are encouraging and should be supported by the United States.