The Wars Abroad
The War in Afghanistan
I continue to have profound reservations about our troop commitments, first in Iraq, and more recently with President Obama’s decision to escalate our presence in Afghanistan. History suggests we will not be successful in stabilizing Afghanistan with military force. No one has; I don’t think anyone will.
Afghanistan today is perhaps the most corrupt country in the world, ranked next to last out of 180 according to Transparency International. If you have a culture of corruption, it’s hard to plant seeds of growth or cultivate allies. Economic development through roads and water make the difference between people being thugs, and in some cases, feeding their family in any way they can.
The magnitude of spending that we’re involved with needs to be put in perspective: each of these additional troops costs one million dollars per year to support. That’s $7,000 worth of spending for each of the 14.5 million Afghan’s in the work force, and 20 times what that worker will earn in an entire year. At the same time, there is a dire need for the most basic of services. In the rural areas, 80% drink polluted water and only 10% have adequate sanitation.
I have profound reservations about the course we’re on, and the ability to generate positive long-term, fundamental changes that will persist over time.
Congress has a voice and we can start reversing what I think is an inappropriate course in Afghanistan. I don’t think we’re going to end this struggle in 30 days, or even 30 weeks. Congress must consider how to redirect our efforts and involve Afghans themselves in moving forward: developing water, sanitation, education, and economic opportunities.
The War in Iraq
I am committed to ending the war in Iraq and responsibly drawing down America’s troops. In November 2005, I unveiled my own plan to end the war and use diplomacy to help stabilize the country and provide for the needs of the Iraqi people. This plan was highly praised by military experts and leading national security specialists. For a summary, click here...
The Obama administration’s efforts to bring the conflict in Iraq to a responsible close is a good start. The U.S. is on track to end the combat mission in Iraq by August 2010, and remove all U.S. military forces by the end of 2011. The United States has a responsibility to help all innocent Iraqis who are suffering as a result of the war, particularly those who are being targeted because they helped the United States. Many well-meaning Iraqis who either served as translators for the U.S. military or with humanitarian organizations have been targeted by Al Qaeda in Iraq, Sunni insurgents, or Shiite militias. I have also led Congress to address the Iraqi refugee crisis - the “Responsibility to Iraqi Refugees Act,” provisions of which were signed into law in 2008, is responsible for helping thousands of Iraqi refugees.
This legislation requires specific assistance to Iraqi refugees and the countries that are hosting them, making it easier for vulnerable Iraqis to come to the United States. The bill also establishes a special program to assist Iraqis who helped American efforts. As a result of these efforts, tens of thousands of Iraqis and their families – who have served our country honorably – have escaped the threat of violent reprisal in Iraq. His efforts to help Iraqis continues, as this crisis is far from resolved.
In almost four decades of public service, Earl Blumenauer's innovative accomplishments in transportation, planning, environmental programs and public participation have helped Portland, Oregon earn an international reputation as one of America's most livable cities.