Larsen Statement on President’s Decision to Change Commanders in Afghanistan
For Immediate Release
Contact: Emily Halnon
(202) 225-2605
June 23, 2010
Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) made the following statement in reaction to the President’s decision to change commanders in Afghanistan.
“I respect General McChrystal for his years of service to our nation. His success in Iraq showed his capabilities as a great solider and leader. He was a successful practitioner and proponent of counterinsurgency, a strategy which he and the President both agree is the right strategy in Afghanistan.
“However, he created a command environment that undermines our time-honored and constitutionally prescribed civilian-military relationship.
“While this situation is regrettable, President Obama made the right decision, one that is his to make as our Commander in Chief, to relieve General McChrystal of his command. This incident was detracting from the difficult work that our men and women in uniform are doing in Afghanistan.
“As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, my first priority is taking care of the men and women in our military so they can keep our country safe. I believe President Obama made the right decision for our troops and our national security.
“We need to move forward and stay focused on achieving stability in Afghanistan and defeating Al Qaeda.
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