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Lawmakers urge Obama to rethink Afghanistan strategy

WASHINGTON: A bipartisan group of 15 United States (US) congressmen called on President Barack Obama on Wednesday to “reconsider” sending 17,000 additional troops to Afghanistan without first securing an exit strategy.

“We urge you to reconsider such a military escalation,” the lawmakers wrote in a letter to Obama, saying the planned deployments “may well be counterproductive”.

“We are also concerned that any perceived military success in Afghanistan might create pressure to increase military activity in Pakistan. This could very well lead to destabilisation in the region and would increase hostility towards the US,” they added.

Former presidential contenders Ron Paul, a Republican; and Democrat Dennis Kucinich told reporters the administration needed to clarify its policy in Afghanistan.

Paul said the letter was “just urging caution because we’re hoping that the new administration will lend itself more to diplomacy and working through other means than always military confrontation.” “Sending 17,000 troops over there and continuing the drone bombing of Pakistan is hardly a change in policy,” he added. “Afghani citizens and families do not need more destruction and violence. They need homes, jobs, and education. They need security, the rule of law and opportunity.” Obama is likely to unveil the results of his strategic review before March 31, officials said, adding the new strategy was expected to include more economic and military aid for Pakistan, and efforts to beef up Afghanistan’s military and try to tamp down raids by Pakistan-based extremists on Afghanistan. afp

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