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Obama’s military changes necessary but not sufficient says Clegg

Wed, 02 Dec 2009

"President Obama has still left open the details of the political surge necessary for real success in Afghanistan," said the Liberal Democrat Leader.

Commenting on President Obama’s announcement on Afghanistan, Nick Clegg said:

“President Obama’s speech is a welcome step towards achieving our shared objective: bringing our troops home with their heads held high, having succeeded in the mission we asked them to undertake.
 
“But by focusing on a military surge of 30,000 extra troops, President Obama has still left open the details of the political surge necessary for real success in Afghanistan.
 
“The military changes announced by President Obama are necessary but not sufficient to complete the mission in Afghanistan.
 
“In particular, we need to see detailed plans for how the US and its allies will increase the engagement of regional powers like Russia, China and Iran in securing peace; how they will implement a reconciliation programme with the Taliban; and how they will switch to a strategy which works around President Karzai if his administration fails to deliver its promises on corruption and good governance.
 
“Only when these political changes are also in place will our troops have the greatest chance for success in completing their mission and the early return home that they deserve.”