Campaign for America’s Future Urges: “Draw Down Afghanistan. Build Up America.”

Washington, DC – Robert Borosage, co-director of the Campaign for America’s Future issued the following statement in anticipation of President Obama’s speech tonight announcing the troop withdrawal levels for the conflict in Afghanistan.

Borosage said, “We went into Afghanistan to track down those who launched the 9/11 attacks on America. With Osama bin Laden dead, and Al Qaeda smashed, that mission has been accomplished. Meanwhile, we face a fundamental security challenge here at home in rebuilding America.

“We have spent $450 billion on the war in Afghanistan since 2001. What was initially a hunt for the perpetrators of 9/11 has turned into the nation’s longest war, with the thankless task of nation-building in Afghanistan, while bolstering a regime too corrupt to stand on its own.

“We need to remain vigilant against terrorists who still seek to do us harm. Aggressive global international intelligence, police, and Special Forces activity are still required.

“But it is time to end the effort to prop up the corrupt and incompetent Karzai regime in Afghanistan, led by someone who continually threatens to join the other side.

“We should not continue spending over $10 billion a month and sacrificing lives in what has become a quagmire with no remaining clear objective. Instead, we bring the troops home with dispatch, and invest the money here at home, revitalizing our infrastructure, generating clean energy and educating our kids. Also, it’s important that the troops that do come home have the opportunity to find meaningful work here at home. They will need the support of the American people to re-integrate to our economy and to life back home.

“It is time to declare mission accomplished in Afghanistan and bring our soldiers, our resources and our attention home.

“Please join us in sending the message to the White House and to the leaders in Congress. It is time to declare victory and come home.

“Click here to sign the petition: "Draw Down Afghanistan. Build Up America [1]."