McCain: Obama Mideast policies 'almost criminal'

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., warned on Monday that the administration’s approach in Afghanistan threatens to destabilize the region, with the latter calling Obama’s policies “almost criminal.”

Policies imposed by the administration last year prevented U.S. forces from engaging Taliban fighters except under limited circumstances, including self-defense, though the guidelines have been drawn back amid the terrorist group’s resurgence. “The rules of engagement were so restrictive that it gave an advantage to the Taliban and other terrorist groups,” McCain told reporters in Kabul.