Thoughts from the Middle East: A Journal from Tom Allen's trip to Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan

I recently participated in a bipartisan trip to Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan to listen to our soldiers, to discuss our status with commanders, and to see firsthand what challenges lie ahead.

Meeting soldiers, especially those from Maine, was a highlight of the trip. Our troops are doing a phenomenal job despite the stress and conditions. Some of them are now on their second and third tours.

We visited troops at COP X-Ray in Iraq, at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan and in Kabul. They are all part of an extraordinary team we have sent into the most difficult area of the world to fulfill their mission. We talked about their assignments, their plans for the future and what has been happening in their area.

Iraq is a mess. In Iraq, the current commitment of military and financial resources is not sustainable and a change in policy is needed. As al-Qaida is weakened, the rationale for our maintaining the current policy collapses.

Only a deadline for our departure can drive the Sunni and Shia within Iraq, and the neighboring countries, to take responsibility for holding the country together. That is a political challenge, not primarily a military one.

Congress must take on a major policy shift and change the debate to how and when we bring our troops home, not if we withdraw. I am more convinced than ever that we need to set a timeline for withdrawal.

In Afghanistan I saw enough to believe that we have a coherent strategy and sufficient resources to help create a stable functioning government that will in time be able to stand on its own.

(Listen to more thoughts on the troops)

Thoughts on Iraq

We left Kuwait very early in the morning, flying to Baghdad on Black Hawk helicopters and wearing helmets and flak jackets for the safest ride to be had there. Our delegation met with General David Petraeus and U.S. Ambassador Ryan Crocker for lunch. I had met Ambassador Crocker five years ago in Afghanistan. He made it clear that we need an overall strategy for the region, because the challenges of these countries are intertwined. On that day the Ambassador was engaged in serious conversations with Iranian officials about the security situation in Iraq.

General Petraeus clearly understands that his job is to meet the challenges he faces on the ground in Iraq, while the overall policy in the region must be set in Washington. In short, General Petraeus understands that he is not the Commander-in-Chief.

In Anbar and areas north of Baghdad, the Sunni and Shia sheiks have turned against Al Qaeda and provided enough intelligence to the Coalition forces to significantly reduce Al Qaeda's presence in those areas. The cooperation of these sheiks has provided us with "tactical momentum," according to General Petraeus, who added that while there is some reduction in attacks in Baghdad at the moment, the country remains the most dangerous place on earth.

General Petraeus confirmed that the Army cannot sustain a continued force of 160,000 troops in Iraq without lengthening tours of duty again. He reiterated his view that a troop presence will be required for many years.

(Listen to more thoughts on Iraq)

Thoughts on Pakistan

I talked to the American delegation and the members of the Pakistani Senate. Although political turmoil remains there, it seems we're are getting more help from the government, particularly in the northwestern territories where the Taliban and Al Qaeda have found roots.

The Pakistani government and the American government are working together better now than in the past. Pakistan is a challenging country and very diverse, with its army the strongest institution in the country, but I felt encouraged by what I saw there.

(Listen to more thoughts on Pakistan)

Thoughts on Afghanistan

Unlike Iraq, our strategic position in Afghanistan appears to be growing stronger. The NATO forces led by General Dan McNeil took offensive action against the Taliban this summer with significant success. The Afghan army is growing larger and better trained by the month. The population does not see the NATO and American forces as occupiers. The Taliban has turned to terrorist tactics designed to create chaos because they have no ability to hold an area if they move into it. Pakistan is being helpful at last in the western border region with Afghanistan.

Since my visit to Afghanistan five years ago, the Afghan army has increased from 40,000 troops to 70,000 troops. They have built a two-lane highway connecting major cities, and there are now six million children in school instead of one million.

(Listen to more thoughts on the Afghanistan)

Comments

[altohone]

Please tell us why US taxpayers are paying the salaries and arming former insurgents in Iraq against the wishes of the elected government?

How can you argue Afghanistan is looking good despite the increasing casualties, lack of control by the central government, all-time high heroin production...?

Why do you support the military dictator despised by the majority in Pakistan?
Has their recent increased help led to a re-evaluation by the intelligence agencies that concluded in the most recent NIE Pakistan has allowed a safe haven for Al Quaida and the Taliban to flourish in their country?

I look forward to your reply.