Military officer: Violence up in Afghanistan
WASHINGTON (AP) - May 20, 2008 Adm. Michael Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also
said that Iran's Revolutionary Guard is directly jeopardizing peace
in Iraq.
"Restraint in our response does not signal lack of resolve or
capability to defend ourselves against threats," Mullen said in
prepared testimony before the Senate Appropriations Defense
Subcommittee.
Mullen said the U.S. is deploying more troops to Afghanistan and
encouraging local forces to do the same to contend with a growing
insurgency, increased attacks and a burgeoning drug trade.
"In short, a stable Iraq and Afghanistan that are long-term
partners and share our commitment to peace will be critical to
achieving regional stability and security," he said.
"This will require years, not months, and will require the
support of the American people, our regional allies and concerted
action by the Iraqi and Afghan people and their leaders," Mullen
added.
Sen. Arlen Specter, a member of the panel, said he is most
concerned about the Bush administration's refusal to fully engage
Iran in diplomatic discussions. U.S. diplomats have met with
Iranian officials as part of a broader regional conference on Iraq,
but insisted that discussions be limited to Iraq.
The U.S. accuses Iran of trying to develop a nuclear weapon,
supporting terrorist groups and encouraging violence in Iraq by
providing weapons and other material support to Shiite militants
there.
Specter, R-Pa., said he has seen talks with North Korea and
Libya bear fruition and thinks similar progress could be made with
Iran.
If the government refuses to engage Iran, "we're missing a
great opportunity to avoid a future conflict," Specter said.