Sen. John McCain takes bull by horns, releases own Afghanistan plan
Aug 10, 2017, 8:12 AM | Updated: Mar 1, 2018, 3:54 pm
(AP Photo)
(AP Photo)
PHOENIX — Declaring that since no strategy for the U.S. in Afghanistan has come from the White House yet, Arizona Sen. John McCain released his own plan Thursday.
McCain’s amendment seeks to add more troops in Afghanistan, increase counterterrorism efforts and strengthen diplomatic ties in the region.
“… we’ve had no strategy at all as conditions on the ground have steadily worsened,” McCain said in a morning statement.
The 80-year-old Republican, who is battling brain cancer, filed his strategy as a part of the National Defense Authorization Act.
“That is why, after consulting with some of our nation’s most experienced and respected former military and intelligence officials, I have filed an amendment to the defense authorization bill that outlines the strategy we need to achieve America’s national security interests in Afghanistan and the wider region,” the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee said.
The war veteran has been consistently disapproving of President Donald Trump’s lack of a master plan for Afghanistan.
“America’s Armed Forces in harm’s way in Afghanistan deserve leadership from Washington worthy of their service and sacrifice,” he said.
McCain’s proposal would also give the U.S. an advisory role for the Afghan armed forces.
“We must face facts: we are losing in Afghanistan and time is of the essence if we intend to turn the tide,” he said.
McCain has been undergoing treatment for an aggressive form of cancer at a Phoenix hospital. He has said repeatedly that he will return to work in Washington and has been working while in Arizona.
He hosted a Facebook Live town hall on Wednesday.
