Congressman Garamendi Visits Afghanistan, Learns More About Special Operations in Region

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman John Garamendi (D-Walnut Creek, CA), a Member of the House Armed Services Committee, yesterday returned from a three-day CODEL (Congressional Delegation) visit to Afghanistan. Garamendi had the opportunity to examine intelligence and special operations and to meet with senior military and diplomatic officials, including General David Petraeus, commander of the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, and Lieutenant General Karl Eikenberry, U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan.

"It was truly an honor to meet brave men and women fighting in Afghanistan, service members whose professionalism and valor is above reproach. To spend Memorial Day weekend with them, sharing meals and stories, will forever be one of the most humbling and rewarding experiences of my life. Our men and women in uniform are doing all they can to improve day-to-day life for the people of Afghanistan," said Congressman Garamendi."“My visit to Afghanistan focused on the counterterrorism work of our special forces, and I left the country convinced that the special ops and intelligence mission remains critical to America’s national security. We must focus like a laser on Al Qaeda and other international terrorist networks wherever they take root."

"Our CODEL to Afghanistan solidified my belief that there is no military victory in Afghanistan. Whether we stay in that country a year or a century, the ultimate solution will be a political settlement with a power-sharing arrangement between the central government in Kabul and powerful governors and tribal leaders throughout the country," added Congressman Garamendi. "Afghanistan has a long tradition of feudalism, and America cannot continue spending our precious blood and treasure in a futile exercise in nation-building by force. When a power sharing agreement is reached, we can work with our international partners – within and outside governments – to plan a long term path toward infrastructure construction, secular education, economic development, and with time, a more representative government. But we’re not going to get there until most of our troops get out."

The Congressman continued, "America will continue to have both a military and economic development presence in Afghanistan for years. The military force should be small, comprised mostly of intelligence and special forces, and engaged in training local forces and hunting terrorists. The aid program should be focused on health care, education, women’s empowerment, and nurturing a diversified economy. Bottom line, we should not walk away."

In Kabul, Garamendi visited the International Security and Assistance Force (ISAF) headquarters, the U.S. embassy, and U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) headquarters. In Shindad in the western part of Afghanistan, Garamendi visited a village and spoke to village elders where local police officers are being trained. In Kandahar, he met with regional NATO command. In classified briefings, the Congressman learned more about the disturbing relationships between extremists in Afghanistan and some officials in Pakistan’s government.