McCain pre-empts Trump with strategy for war in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON — Sen. John McCain on Thursday unveiled a plan to increase U.S. air and ground forces in Afghanistan that would probably bring some American soldiers closer into harm’s way — a move that in effect rebukes President Donald Trump, who has not yet decided on his preferred way forward.

McCain, R-Ariz., promised to present his plan as an amendment to the annual defense authorization bill upon his return to Washington in September.

For eight years, McCain railed against the Obama administration for the lack of a satisfactory plan, and he has warned the Trump administration that if it failed to articulate something better than “a ‘don’t lose’ strategy,” he would try to force the president’s hand by demanding a vote on a plan as part of the defense bill.

On Thursday, apparently lost

“Nearly seven months into President Trump’s administration, we’ve had no strategy at all as conditions on the ground have steadily worsened,” he said in a statement released along with the plan. “We must face facts: we are losing in Afghanistan and time is of the essence if we intend to turn the tide.” McCain his patience.

On Thursday, Trump told reporters at his golf club in Bedminster, N.J., that “we’re getting very close” to articulating a strategy for Afghanistan.

McCain does not outline specific troop numbers. But among his plans is a proposal to integrate U.S. military training and advisory teams at the battalion level of the Afghan armed forces known as “kandaks” — each of which has about 600 troops in it. That commitment would by necessity raise the number of U.S. forces in Afghanistan significantly, and put those troops — even in their advising and training roles — closer to combat.