Issue Position: Afghanistan/Pakistan

Issue Position

Issue Position: Afghanistan/Pakistan

Success in Afghanistan and Pakistan is absolutely vital to our national security. The central front in the battle against terrorism and extremism is -- and always has been -- in the dangerous border region between these two countries. After nearly eight years in Afghanistan, al Qaeda and the Taliban are resurgent, and the people of Afghanistan are reeling from rampant corruption and growing violence, fueled by the increasingly debilitating drug trade. Across the Afghan border, Pakistan -- a nuclear weapon state -- remains under perpetual threat from extremist elements, political instability, and economic crisis.

We have lost focus on this dangerous and unstable region, and it is time to return our resources and energies back to the most critical national security threat facing our country. Stabilizing Afghanistan will require more than adding American resources. It will require vigorous diplomacy, a renewed commitment from our NATO allies and partners, an integrated and sustainable long-term strategy, and a focus towards making the lives of Afghan citizens better. This will not be a quick or easy task, but the strategic threat posed by the region is absolutely vital to our nation's security and prosperity.

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