Turner Statement on the President’s Announced Troop Withdrawal from Afghanistan

Today, Congressman Mike Turner released the following statement upon the President’s announcement that he will be removing 30,000 U.S. troops from Afghanistan by the end of 2012:

“This evening the President announced that he will be withdrawing 30,000 troops from Afghanistan.  That nation, according to our military leaders on the ground, remains a fragile security environment and I would be hesitant to withdraw these forces, and risk placing our remaining servicemembers at risk.  Stability in Afghanistan is essential to our national security and our ongoing war against terror.  The hard fought successes of the 2009 surge have become more apparent throughout the country with each passing day.  Prior to this decision being made, Congress needs to hear directly from our commanders on how this troop withdrawal will affect regional security and the safety of our men and women who remain deployed in Afghanistan.”