Domestic Demands Spur Calls for U.S. Drawdown from Afghanistan

U.S. lawmakers yesterday questioned the role of the U.S. in Afghanistan, pushing for a significant troop reduction even as the Obama administration emphasizes the need to maintain a strong presence in the country.

The chasm between the two branches of government was clear at the confirmation hearing for Ryan Crocker, President Barack Obama’s nominee for ambassador to Afghanistan. Tension between foreign policy priorities and domestic demands is increasing as Obama prepares to announce an initial troop drawdown next month. The president has pledged to fully transfer security responsibility to the Afghan government by 2014.