Obama Makes Surprise Visit to Afghanistan to Honor Troops
By Stephen Kaufman
Staff Writer
Washington - President Obama made his first trip to Afghanistan as commander in chief March 28, using his surprise visit to honor U.S., Afghan and international troops and to meet with Afghan President Hamid Karzai to discuss anti-corruption efforts, energy and agricultural production and other civilian issues.
"I know this was on a little bit of short notice," Obama told troops from the International Security Assistance Force for Afghanistan (ISAF) and the Afghan National Army in remarks at Bagram Airfield March 28. To the American forces the president said, "I want you to understand, there's no visit that I considered more important than this visit I'm making right now because I have no greater honor than serving as your commander in chief."
Afghan and coalition forces are working together to "disrupt and dismantle, defeat and destroy al-Qaida and its extremist allies" like the Taliban, he said, with the objectives of denying al-Qaida safe haven in the country and reversing the Taliban's momentum.
"If this region slides backwards, if the Taliban retakes this country and al-Qaida can operate with impunity, then more American lives will be at stake. The Afghan people will lose their chance at progress and prosperity. And the world will be significantly less secure," Obama said.
"We're going to strengthen the capacity of Afghan security forces and the Afghan government so that they can begin taking responsibility and gain confidence of the Afghan people," he said.
The president told the troops that he understood their sacrifices and the ordeal of time spent away from loved ones. "If I thought for a minute that America's vital interests were not served, were not at stake here in Afghanistan, I would order all of you home right away," he said.
Saluting members of the Afghan National Army, Obama praised their willingness to protect their country and their increasing ability to take responsibility for Afghanistan's security. He also thanked ISAF soldiers from other countries, saying al-Qaida and its extremist allies threaten people around the world.
"We're so proud to have our coalition partners here with us," he said. "Thank you very much for the great work that you do. We salute you and we honor you for all the sacrifices you make, and you are a true friend of the United States of America."
This is a fight that matters, the president said. "Al-Qaida and the violent extremists who you're fighting against want to destroy. But all of you want to build," he said, and see "dignity in every human being."
Extremists "want to drive races and regions and religions apart. You want to bring people together and see the world move forward together," Obama said. "They offer fear, in other words, and you offer hope."
Before meeting with military personnel, the president held talks with President Karzai in Kabul. After their talks, Obama said , "I want to send a strong message that the partnership between the United States and Afghanistan is going to continue."
"All of us are interested in a day when Afghanistan is going to be able to provide for its own security but continue a long-term strategic partnership with the United States," Obama said.
Along with more progress on joint military activities, the president said he wanted to see continued improvement in civilian areas such as "agricultural production, energy production, good governance, rule of law, anti-corruption efforts." That will increase Afghanistan's prosperity, security and independence, he said.
White House press secretary Robert Gibbs told reporters traveling with the president March 28 that Obama invited Karzai for further talks in Washington May 12.
A senior administration official who asked not to be identified said Obama and Karzai discussed Afghan governance issues during their meeting, including the need for merit-based appointments of Afghan officials and efforts against corruption.
Since Obama and Karzai last spoke by videoconference March 15, the official said, the United States has seen improvements in local governance and the creation of more credible national institutions, as well as action against corruption.
National Security Advisor General Jim Jones told reporters that President Karzai "needs to be seized with how important" the problem of corruption is in Afghanistan.
By Stephen Kaufman
Staff Writer
Washington - President Obama made his first trip to Afghanistan as commander in chief March 28, using his surprise visit to honor U.S., Afghan and international troops and to meet with Afghan President Hamid Karzai to discuss anti-corruption efforts, energy and agricultural production and other civilian issues.
"I know this was on a little bit of short notice," Obama told troops from the International Security Assistance Force for Afghanistan (ISAF) and the Afghan National Army in remarks at Bagram Airfield March 28. To the American forces the president said, "I want you to understand, there's no visit that I considered more important than this visit I'm making right now because I have no greater honor than serving as your commander in chief."
Afghan and coalition forces are working together to "disrupt and dismantle, defeat and destroy al-Qaida and its extremist allies" like the Taliban, he said, with the objectives of denying al-Qaida safe haven in the country and reversing the Taliban's momentum.
"If this region slides backwards, if the Taliban retakes this country and al-Qaida can operate with impunity, then more American lives will be at stake. The Afghan people will lose their chance at progress and prosperity. And the world will be significantly less secure," Obama said.
"We're going to strengthen the capacity of Afghan security forces and the Afghan government so that they can begin taking responsibility and gain confidence of the Afghan people," he said.
The president told the troops that he understood their sacrifices and the ordeal of time spent away from loved ones. "If I thought for a minute that America's vital interests were not served, were not at stake here in Afghanistan, I would order all of you home right away," he said.
Saluting members of the Afghan National Army, Obama praised their willingness to protect their country and their increasing ability to take responsibility for Afghanistan's security. He also thanked ISAF soldiers from other countries, saying al-Qaida and its extremist allies threaten people around the world.
"We're so proud to have our coalition partners here with us," he said. "Thank you very much for the great work that you do. We salute you and we honor you for all the sacrifices you make, and you are a true friend of the United States of America."
This is a fight that matters, the president said. "Al-Qaida and the violent extremists who you're fighting against want to destroy. But all of you want to build," he said, and see "dignity in every human being."
Extremists "want to drive races and regions and religions apart. You want to bring people together and see the world move forward together," Obama said. "They offer fear, in other words, and you offer hope."
Before meeting with military personnel, the president held talks with President Karzai in Kabul. After their talks, Obama said , "I want to send a strong message that the partnership between the United States and Afghanistan is going to continue."
"All of us are interested in a day when Afghanistan is going to be able to provide for its own security but continue a long-term strategic partnership with the United States," Obama said.
Along with more progress on joint military activities, the president said he wanted to see continued improvement in civilian areas such as "agricultural production, energy production, good governance, rule of law, anti-corruption efforts." That will increase Afghanistan's prosperity, security and independence, he said.
White House press secretary Robert Gibbs told reporters traveling with the president March 28 that Obama invited Karzai for further talks in Washington May 12.
A senior administration official who asked not to be identified said Obama and Karzai discussed Afghan governance issues during their meeting, including the need for merit-based appointments of Afghan officials and efforts against corruption.
Since Obama and Karzai last spoke by videoconference March 15, the official said, the United States has seen improvements in local governance and the creation of more credible national institutions, as well as action against corruption.
National Security Advisor General Jim Jones told reporters that President Karzai "needs to be seized with how important" the problem of corruption is in Afghanistan.
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