Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) — chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee — told CNN in an interview broadcast this morning that the U.S. should wait until the Afghan election is resolved before deciding whether to send more troops.
“It would be entirely irresponsible for the President of the United States to commit more troops to this country when we don’t even have an election finished and know who the president is and what kind of government we’re working with.”
Kerry continued:
How could the president responsibly say, “Oh, they asked for more? Sure, here they are.”
“That would be irresponsible for the President of the United States. And no commander-in-chief should be cornered into making a decision that isn’t based on a responsible assessment about what is possible and about what the American people are prepared to commit to.”
Kerry’s comments weren’t a criticism of President Obama or his decision-making process — which he called “thorough,” “exhaustive” and not “remotely connected to politics” — but rather seemed to imply that Obama shouldn’t be rushed to make a decision on troops since Afghanistan needs a good, stable government first.
“Before the president makes a decision about the numbers of troops that ought to come here, I believe it is critical for us to be satisfied that the reform efforts that are absolutely mandatory within the government here are in fact going to take place and be fully implemented,” Kerry said.
Late Update: Here’s the video.
