Since the release of the unclassified assessment (large file) by Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal, commander of US and NATO forces in Afghanistan, by the Washington Post Sept. 21, media, pundits, and lawmakers have been arguing over McChrystal’s calls for more resources and a new strategy—to win the hearts and minds of Afghanis. Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.), head of the Senate Armed Services Committee, does not want to hold a hearing, saying in a Sept. 22 letter to Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), ranking committee member, et al that such “is premature” since McChrystal “has not yet submitted his recommendation as to the resources.” In a Sept. 22 release, Sen. Kit Bond (R-Mo.), vice chair of the Senate intelligence committee, said he wants a hearing to get McChrystal’s views “directly” to offset “political motivations,” including what he terms President Obama’s “buyer’s remorse.” (The Washington Post article may require free registration)
President Donald Trump on July 4 signed into law $150 billion in defense funds as part of the tax-and-spending package known as the “One Big, Beautiful Bill” after congressional Republicans approved the legislation in narrow, drawn-out votes earlier this week.
