Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona), chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, has urged President Donald Trump’s administration to formulate a new strategy for the Defense Department to help address the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan, Defense News reported Monday.
McCain said the White House has not presented a strategy for Afghanistan since the new administration took office six months ago.
“We cannot keep going like this. If the administration fails to develop a strategy for success, Congress will need to play a greater role,” he added.
Federal News Radio reported DoD looks to send 4,000 more troops to Afghanistan this year in addition to the 8,400 service members currently stationed there.
Last week, President Trump granted Defense Secretary James Mattis authority to decide on how many number of U.S. troops should be in Afghanistan.
Gen. Joseph Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said he believes the administration’s strategy for Afghanistan should offer a path for the U.S. military to help Afghan security forces manage the current situation in their home country.
