Protecting Our National Security: My Time in Afghanistan, Pakistan, & India
I recently traveled with a congressional delegation to Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India to get a firsthand update on counterterrorism efforts, discuss the stability of the region with leaders of the three countries, and further strengthen our countries’ relationships. This visit was critical to my work on the Senate’s Homeland Security Committee and included discussions with foreign government officials, U.S. military officials and diplomats, and U.S. service members.
I traveled throughout Afghanistan, visiting Operation Resolute Support, Camp Vance, and Camp Morehead.
I’m incredibly grateful for the work of all the U.S. service members I met in Afghanistan — and others around the world — who serve our country with distinction in the face of significant daily challenges. One of those service members I met just happened to be a friendly face from the Granite State: Colonel Gabe Barton from Windham.
During my time with our service members, I was briefed on U.S. efforts to counter terrorism and to train Afghanistan’s Army and Special Forces. I heard more about the direct and ongoing threats that terrorist groups — including a growing ISIS affiliate in Afghanistan — pose. It’s critical to our nation’s security that we continue to take these threats seriously and prepare for a new generation of terrorist activity that is increasingly tech savvy.
While in Afghanistan, Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland and I also met with current Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah, the current Afghan CEO and presidential candidate. President Ghani expressed his thanks for the sacrifices of our troops and for the support of our public — a sentiment I heard time and time again from people throughout Afghanistan. The President and his Cabinet outlined progress made in rebuilding the region and showed a clear commitment to continuing counterterrorism efforts and upholding democracy.
I also got the chance to meet with eight female Afghan leaders. They expressed to me their concerns that a potential deal with the Taliban would reverse the progress Afghanistan has made for women. A few of the women had met with the Taliban Political Commission and were directly told that if the Taliban regained control, all women, Muslim or not, would have to wear a hijab. If the Taliban refuses to respect women and religious minorities, we cannot move forward.
In Pakistan, Senator Van Hollen and I spoke to Prime Minister Imran Khan and Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa. Together, we discussed our countries’ joint counterterrorism work and regional stability. Throughout our time in Pakistan, Senator Van Hollen and I heard reports that the Taliban is operating on its border. We pushed Pakistan’s leadership to end their dangerous support of the Taliban and other terrorist groups.
The last stop of my trip was India, where I met with representatives from two Granite State businesses: BAE and Hypertherm. These companies show the great potential of U.S.-India business relationships. I believe that our countries’ commercial partnerships will continue to flourish.
I also met with several Indian government officials. I spoke to India’s Minister of Defense, Rajnath Singh with Senator Ted Cruz of Texas. In that conversation, I urged the Defense Minister to reverse course on India’s purchase of Russian-made S-400 air defense systems, letting him know it would trigger a sanctions violation with the U.S. and would prevent India from ever being able to purchase other key U.S. systems, like the F-35. In my meeting with Law and Justice Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, I talked about the importance of addressing the opioid crisis and secured a commitment to combat the trafficking of synthetic opioids through the mail.
A particularly special moment for me was meeting India’s Deputy Opposition Leader, Anand Sharma. I was excited to discuss his work on disability research and policy, an issue that both of our families know well. As many of you know, my son Ben experiences severe disabilities, and his son experiences autism — our work has been guided by the fight for the rights and inclusion of all children.
I was very grateful for the warmth and hospitality I was shown by my hosts in each country. Now back at home, I’m excited to build upon these important relationships and to use the information I’ve gained to further guide my work in Congress to keep our country safe, secure, and free.
