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Rep. John Larson
CNP was fortunate to host Congressman John B.
Larson, Chair of the House Democratic Caucus,
at 2009 Policy Day as he discussed his recent
trip to Afghanistan. Rep. Larson began by
praising the troops serving in Afghanistan;
noting their enthusiasm for their mission and
their unwavering dedication.
However,
he also argued that significant challenges lie
ahead and outlined some of upcoming policy
changes. Congressman Larson confessed that the
announced move of 17,000 troops into
Afghanistan caught Congress by surprise. He was
not anticipating a decision until after a
report by the White House’s Afghan strategy
review.
However, he is happy that
the war in Afghanistan is now linked with
Pakistan in nomenclature as well as strategy.
In his view regional actors are the key to
success in Afghanistan. Rep. Larson also
outlined the importance of Iran in the process
of building a stable Afghanistan and argued
that dialogue was a step in the right
direction. He also suggested that illegal poppy
cultivation is not the primary source of
Taliban funding as he had believed. Rather more
money is raised by extremists in Saudi Arabia
who have a counter message to the United
States. Congressman Larson suggested that more
resources flowing to the State Department and
public diplomacy programs to respond to this
radical message is required. Additionally, he
was quick to point out that the war in
Afghanistan cannot be won militarily. The
nation, its NATO allies, and regional actors
all must work together and apply all elements
of national power to stabilize the
situation.
Congressman Larson concluded
by stating that Jeffersonian democracy was
unlikely to take root in Afghanistan in the
foreseeable future. Relaying his response to a
meeting with Afghan women, he suggested they
would have to wait for a very long time to
enjoy the full rights of citizenship. However,
he argued that the more limited goals of the
Obama administration are achievable and
represent a significant improvement over Bush
administration plans.
