Owens touts Afghan mission

WASHINGTON — The Obama administration's policy in Afghanistan is "moving in the right direction," Rep. William L. Owens said after returning from a two-day congressional trip to the country.

In a telephone interview Monday, Mr. Owens — who made the visit in the days leading up to Christmas — expressed confidence that the Afghan government is building legitimacy and credited Afghan President Hamid Karzai with working hard to put the country in a position to govern itself peacefully once the U.S. military presence ends, possibly in 2012.

Mr. Owens, D-Plattsburgh, and other members of the House Homeland Security Committee visited as well with Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal, in command of U.S. forces there, and with U.S. soldiers at two forward operating bases. They visited the capital, Kabul, as well as Kandahar, he said.

Mr. Karzai has been working to bolster his image after what was widely reported to be a tainted re-election this year. A second election became unnecessary after his chief opponent withdrew, and many U.S. political leaders have expressed unease at his leadership and his willingness to crack down on militants.

His position has been further complicated by allegations that his brother is heavily involved in the narcotics trade, a source of income for terrorist elements.

For his part, Mr. Owens said, "My observations of him were that he's in a very difficult situation. I think he's working extremely hard at it."

While he acknowledged Mr. Karzai's challenges, Mr. Owens said of his fellow travelers, "I don't know that there is skepticism per se."

Indeed, Mr. Owens said, Mr. Karzai named a new cabinet of advisers during the lawmakers' visit and, despite his troubles, has a government in place. He said Mr. Karzai appeared to give the lawmakers "candid, clear responses" to questions.

Mr. Owens said the leaders did not discuss with Mr. Karzai the U.S. military surge, which will bring an additional 30,000 troops to the country. But Mr. Owens said, after seeing part of the country himself and meeting with Afghan officials, "My impression generally is that we're moving in the right direction."

The congressman said security considerations prevent him from revealing some of the group's itinerary and discussions. In keeping with rules about congressional travel to war zones, the congressman and his office kept the trip secret until after the lawmakers returned.

Mr. Owens said he was eager to take the first congressional trip available to Afghanistan during the holiday recess and wanted to be sure lawmakers are providing soldiers all they need as the U.S. military presence grows.

The group met with U.S. soldiers, and Mr. Owens said he met soldiers from Oswego and Tupper Lake, although not members of the 10th Mountain Division from Fort Drum. He said soldiers appeared comfortable talking candidly with lawmakers.

The 10th Mountain Division will play a role in the U.S. troop expansion, the Pentagon has announced.