The general tapped to be the next leader of the U.S. fight in the Middle East said Wednesday that when American troops pull out of Afghanistan should be based on ground conditions, which are deteriorating.
Gen. Joseph Votel, the current leader of U.S. Special Operations Command, said he agrees that security in Afghanistan is getting worse, not better, and that any drawdown should be based on conditions, not on a date on the calendar.
President Obama delayed the planned drawdown last year. Under the new plan, about 10,000 troops will remain in Afghanistan through most of this year, at which point the number will decrease to 5,500.
Votel said the U.S. must remain in Afghanistan until certain conditions are met, including Kabul’s ability to sustain its forces and plan operations. In addition, Afghanistan is unable to provide its own rotary and fixed-wing aerial support for intelligence collection and strikes, a capability that is “lagging,” Votel said.
“While we’re moving in the right direction, I think it’s going to take some time, so I think it’s absolutely critical we continue to provide those resources,” Votel told the Senate Armed Services Committee at a hearing for his confirmation to lead U.S. Central Command.
The last fighting season was the first in which Afghan forces took the lead and, as a result, sustained higher casualties than in previous years. While Kunduz fell into Taliban hands briefly last year, officials have said it’s an achievement that the Afghan forces, aided by U.S. air support, were able to push the terrorists out relatively quickly and regain control of the city.
Gen. Lloyd Austin, the outgoing commander of U.S. Central Command, told senators on Tuesday the he believes the drawdown plan for Afghanistan should be reviewed.
Senators emphasized to Votel and Lt. Gen. Raymond “Tony” Thomas, who is nominated to succeed Votel at SOCOM, that they must be “borderline obnoxious” to ensure their views are heard by the administration.
“We need you to have the courage to speak truth to power and to ask for the resources and authorities you need, not just those you think the administration will allow,” Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., said in his opening statement.
Votel said that his time at SOCOM taught him that his relationship with Congress needs “candor, confidence and responsiveness” and promised to keep lines of communication open.
“I don’t want you guessing about what CENTCOM is doing,” he said.
Analysts predicted that even if the new leaders are vocal about their opinions, they’re still likely to face pushback from a White House that has historically kept the Pentagon on a tight leash, instead leaving many decisions to its National Security Council.
