The outgoing commander of U.S. Central Command told Congress on Tuesday that the drawdown plan for Afghanistan should be reviewed.
Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., questioned Gen. Lloyd Austin about the security situation in Afghanistan, asking if he agreed with previous assessments that the country is deteriorating.
“As you heard me say in my opening statement, I do think the environment in the country has changed,” Austin began.
McCain interrupted him, saying that he specifically had asked if Austin agreed that the country was deteriorating, not changing.
“General, we really would like just straightforward answers, I only have a few minutes there,” McCain said.
Austin said that he agrees “in part,” since the Taliban has become more active and the Afghan National Security Forces have been challenged to curb the terrorist group.
Asked what that means for the expected drawdown at the end of this year, Austin said it’s time to see if that plan is still the best way forward.
“I would agree that a review of the plan is in order,” he said.
