WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT) today released the following statement after attending a Senate briefing with Administration officials on Afghanistan and the recently announced withdrawal of U.S. troops.
“Following today’s frank and candid briefing from Administration officials, I believe that the President’s plan to withdraw all American troops from Afghanistan by September is an error that could have serious consequences for our national security interests. The U.S. and our allies maintain a small number of troops with an outsized ability to prevent the Taliban from providing terrorist groups like Al Qaeda and ISIS the ability to train and flourish. Our military presence also helps to buttress the democratic government and its military, foster human rights for women and girls, and hold the Taliban accountable to their promises. Like all Americans, I want our troops to come home, but I recognize and profoundly appreciate the vital role they often play in far and dangerous places like Afghanistan to protect our national security.”