WASHINGTON (AP) - The top American commander in Afghanistan told lawmakers on Tuesday that the war is not a lost cause and underscored his optimism with a personal story about his son, an Army sergeant preparing for his third deployment to the war-torn country.
In sobering testimony before the House Armed Services Committee, Army Gen. John F. Campbell said the last time he saw John Jr. was in August 2014 in Jalalabad, a city near the Pakistan border. He spoke to him a few days ago.
"If I thought it wasn't worth it, I'd tell my own son, "You need to do something different,'" Campbell said.
Afghanistan is at turning point and the coming year may be no better, and possibly worse, than the last unless the fragile government in Kabul holds firm and the nation's security forces improve, Campbell said. He urged skeptical lawmakers to keep backing the U.S. mission in Afghanistan, now entering its 15th year.
"We need to provide the Afghans the time and space for them to continue to build their resiliency," Campbell said. "Through their spirit and fortitude, they have proven worthy of our continued support."
Campbell's testimony comes as lawmakers are growing skeptical amid concerns that worsening security conditions demand a greater number of U.S. forces. But there is also ample frustration that the finish line still is not visible for a war that began in 2001.
Campbell estimated it will be 2024 before the Afghan economy generates enough revenue to make the country self-sufficient.
"Ultimately, Afghanistan has not achieved an enduring level of security and stability that justifies a reduction in our support in 2016," Campbell said.
Most of the problems facing the Afghan security forces stem from poor leadership, Campbell said. The Afghan army has replaced 92 general officers, including a high-level commander in volatile Helmand province. More needs to be done to make sure the Afghan forces are helmed by capable officers.