Bachmann Says Afghan War End Remains 'Very Fluid'
ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO) — Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachmann is in Afghanistan, visiting troops from our state, and talking about the drawn down.
She spoke with reporters about her trip on a conference call from the region. She said she met with many soldiers from all over the state, and said they were all dedicated to their mission.
"They said there was a lot of work to be done, but there was a lot of progress," Bachmann said.
Podcast
Bachmann said it's premature to commit to a prescribed end to the U.S. combat role there or a longer-term troop presence.
Bachmann said her up-close look and her conversations with key figures there the region remains underscored a "very fluid" situation.
On a conference call Monday, Bachmann wouldn't let herself get pinned down on whether she supports a U.S. and NATO agreement to withdraw foreign combat forces by 2014.
She said while the troops want to come home, they want the mission accomplished.
"Of course they want to get home but they really didn't want to leave until they had successfully completed their assignment," she said.
Bachmann said after investing a decade there, the U.S. shouldn't walk away prematurely or stay longer than it needs. She says Afghan forces need to be ready to take over and sustain gains, but she's not convinced they are yet.
Bachmann was in the Middle East as part of a congressional delegation.
