Senators criticize lack of Afghanistan strategy

WASHINGTON — Senators sharply criticized Pentagon leaders Tuesday for not completing a new strategy for the 16-year-old war in Afghanistan, as Defense Secretary Jim Mattis acknowledged that “the enemy is surging right now.”

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., demanded that Mattis wrap up the plan now, threatening that, “unless we get a strategy from you, you’re going to get a strategy from us.” He said he had expected the plan in the first 30 to 60 days of the new administration and snapped, “we want a strategy. I don’t think that’s a helluva lot to ask.”

Mattis, in response, told the Senate Armed Services Committee that he will provide details on the new strategy for the war in mid-July.

“We’re putting it together now and there are going to be — there are actions being taken to make certain that we don’t pay a price for the delay,” he said. “But we recognize the need for urgency and your criticism is fair, sir.”

Mattis did not say what those steps are.

The U.S. has about 8,400 troops in Afghanistan. Army Gen. John Nicholson, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, has told Congress that he could use an infusion of U.S. and allied troops to bolster support for the Afghan army.

Earlier this year, the Pentagon was considering a request for roughly 3,000 more troops, mainly for training and advising. That decision, however, has been stalled by the broader administration review of Afghan policy and a push for NATO to contribute more troops.

Mattis, when pressed again about the plan, said getting a government-wide strategy can’t be done quickly, and that there are ongoing efforts to ensure NATO participation so that it’s “not all on the backs of American taxpayers.”

He added: “We are not winning in Afghanistan right now. And we will correct this as soon as possible.”

The Taliban’s resurgence has been coupled with a growing threat from Islamic State militants trying to establish a foothold in the country. The increased fight has led to a recent string of American deaths.

Three U.S. soldiers were killed on Saturday when they were attacked by an Afghan soldier, who was then killed. And two U.S. Army Rangers died in an April 27 raid on an IS compound in eastern Afghanistan.