Antiwar Lawmakers Wary of Adding Troops in Afghanistan

[babylonsister]

Antiwar Lawmakers Wary of Adding Troops in Afghanistan
Some want to see clear exit strategy before escalation

by Anne Flaherty


WASHINGTON - After campaigning on the promise to end one war, President Obama is preparing to escalate another.


Senator Russ Feingold, Democrat of Wisconsin and a fierce war opponent, added: "The idea of putting the troops in without having more clarity at least gives me pause."

Obama's dual stance on the two wars is not lost on congressional Democrats, many of whom also ran on antiwar platforms. In coming weeks, they expect to consider tens of billions of dollars needed for combat, including a major buildup of troops in Afghanistan.

While increasing the military's focus in Afghanistan was expected - it was a major theme of Obama's campaign - many Democrats acknowledged in recent interviews that they are worried about sending more troops, even in small numbers.

The concern, they say, is that the military could become further entrenched in an unwinnable war on their watch.

"Before I support any more troops to Afghanistan, I want to see a strategy that includes an exit plan," said Representative Jim McGovern, Democrat of Massachusetts, who at one point wanted to cut off money for the Iraq war.

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http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2009/02/09-0

[Solly Mack]

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