The president has made it clear that U.S forces will remain in Afghanistan. What is not clear is whether he will embrace the plan put forward by General McChrystal, his hand-picked commander. The president should not search for a nonexistent middle ground. U.S. forces in Afghanistan must be bolstered with additional troops at the levels recommended by our expert military leadership, in order adequately to conduct a full counterinsurgency strategy. This must be done in a timely manner. Any delay will only add to the challenges facing General McChrystal and U.S. forces.

When considering how to proceed in Afghanistan, the president should ask himself three questions:

(1) Are additional troops required to achieve success? General McChrystal must have the ability to expand operations and areas of coverage to increase the “hold” stage in counterinsurgency operations. He has stated that it is vital to separate the Taliban from the people in order to gain their trust by providing basic security. If areas of insurgents are not held once initially cleared, the ensuing disruption and confusion is often more damaging than what would have happened if the areas were never cleared in the first place. Failing to hold areas once they are cleared undermines our military’s credibility with the local population. (2) How does Afghanistan become self-sufficient? Afghanistan must be able to provide reliable basic security and governance for its people. Which means the U.S. and NATO must add sufficient numbers of experienced combat troops to serve as trainers and mentors of a competent Afghan security force. This security force must be responsive and loyal to a trusted government. Right now, such a government does not exist. Ironically, it may be the same loya jirga (grand council) that initially brought President Karzai to power, that will need to be reconvened to save Afghanistan from the ineffectiveness of its current government. (3) What alternatives are available for consideration? Some have proposed shifting U.S. strategy toward a greater emphasis on drones, airstrikes, and cruise missiles. General McChrystal’s assessment clearly states that the effectiveness of these weapons depends on the collection of actionable human intelligence. Military hardware must complement troops on the ground conducting counterinsurgency operations. If the necessary support is not given to our military leadership in the field, failure in Afghanistan will be an increasingly likely outcome. The president must make a decision. General McChrystal must know that he has the full support of the commander in chief. He undoubtedly has mine. – Rep. Kay Granger (R., Tex.) is ranking member of the State & Foreign Operations Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee.