On June 2, the House International Relations Committee held a hearing on U.S. policy in Afghanistan. In his opening remarks, Chair Henry Hyde (R-IL) stated that the purpose of the hearing was to “examine how the United States and the international community are coordinating their activities to give the Afghans the ability to freely determine their own future and lead the way to stability.” Rep. Hyde also emphasized that “it is the responsibility of this Congress to uphold our commitment to Afghanistan…By detailing areas where there is need for improvement in U.S. strategy, we can begin to bridge the gap between the reality of the challenges that Afghanistan faces and the ideal that it seeks to become.”
Ranking Member Tom Lantos (D-CA), in his opening remarks, stressed the need to double the size of NATO in Afghanistan to expand its mandate, and to encourage U.S. Allies to support Afghanistan through increased funding.
State Department Coordinator for Afghanistan William Taylor outlined three strategies being undertaken by the Government of Afghanistan and the international community: demobilization of the militias, counternarcotics efforts, and preparation for the first election in Afghanistan in September. He lauded the efforts and outcomes of the U.S. involvement in rebuilding Afghanistan and stated, “U.S. government agencies, civilian and military, are demonstrating their commitment in helping Afghanistan become an example of democracy in the Islamic world. The September elections will not mark the end of our efforts; rather, its success will be another milestone in our long-term commitment to Afghanistan.” In conclusion, he mentioned the improved condition of women. “Life for women under the current government represents an improvement over the past, as they are receiving literacy training, vocational education, health-care programs, and increased opportunities in public and civic life. After decades of war, instability, and insecurity, Afghans are now beginning to enjoy a more dynamic and open civic life.”
James Kunder testified on behalf of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). In his overall assessment of the reconstruction effort, he confirmed that “the reconstruction process has been, thus far, a success.” He focused on the achievements of USAID in playing an integral role in the many aspects of rebuilding Afghanistan, especially in its support of the election and long-term democratic development. He also mentioned the need to work toward ensuring gender equality and to recognize the impact of economic, health, and educational issues on women. “It is widely recognized that Afghanistan’s women have paid a high price in suffering and lost opportunity during the decades of war and Taliban oppression. Not only must we develop women’s opportunity programs in such environments, but the gender aspects of all of our reconstruction efforts must be considered.”
State Department Senior Coordinator for International Women’s Issues Charlotte Ponticelli outlined the U.S. achievements in the effort to end repression and human rights violations against women. She told the committee that many women benefit from organizations such as the U.S.-Afghan Women’s Council. Ms. Ponticelli noted that the number of women in literacy centers has increased, women are taking an active part in writing the constitution, and women are increasingly involved in agriculture. She also mentioned that Afghan midwives are being trained to help reduce Afghanistan’s maternal mortality rate, which is the second highest in the world. In her meetings with Afghan women, Ms. Ponticelli said that they expressed gratitude to the U.S. for continued support and attention to improving the conditions of women’s lives in Afghanistan.
