OBAMA HAS LOST AFGHANISTAN

Speaker Boehner on Release of Enemy Combatants in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON, DC – House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) today issued the following statement in response to reports that President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan plans to release 65 enemy combatants: “I am deeply disappointed and angered by news reports that President Karzai is expected to release 65 enemy combatants, many of whom are responsible for the deaths or life-changing wounds of U.S. troops.  After years of fighting alongside our Afghan partners – who have sustained serious casualties themselves from common enemies – this decision is especially egregious. “This was avoidable, and the responsibility resides with the current Afghan President.  It is also, however, a reminder that we need President Obama to better explain his commitment to finishing the job our country began.  We must acknowledge the cost of the last twelve years but not forget the reasons we told our military, diplomatic, and civilian personnel why their personal sacrifices were worth it.  The United States still has core national security interests in the region, and ambiguity in our path forward undermines our ability to secure those interests. “The announcement today will likely be received with disappointment and stronger emotions by our deployed men and women in Kabul.  Ambassador Cunningham and General Dunford lead teams of highly dedicated, professional, and brave Americans who have stood up and said ‘yes’ to their country.  I thank them for their service and remain committed to ensuring that we have the correct authorities and procedures in place to thwart threats in the region and provide the proper force protection.”