Reed Urges President Obama Not To Retreat from Afghanistan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Congressional candidate Tom Reed today urged President Obama to give our military leaders the tools they are asking for to defeat Al Queda in Afghanistan. "The President asked General McChrystal for his recommendation. The General's recommendation was that an increase in troop strength in support of the fledgling Afghan democracy was necessary."

"I urge the President to listen to his generals and give them what they need to ensure the eventual defeat of Al Queda in Afghanistan and prevent the resurgence of the repressive Taliban," Reed said. "We cannot allow the Taliban to re-establish an operational base from which Al Queda can launch another major attack on the United States."

"It's better to fight them there now than here later," Reed said. "We have to defend ourselves. Failing to do so not only puts us at risk, but it jeopardizes our allies as well. Pulling out of Afghanistan prematurely will further destabilize not only Afghanistan, but Pakistan as well."

Reed noted that Congressman Eric J.J. Massa has called for a withdrawal from Afghanistan. "I call on President Obama to put politics aside and reject the call to remove our troops to gain short-term political points," Reed said. "Politics is less important than ensuring the security of our military, our country, and our families. Retreating from Afghanistan does just that." 

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