MonticelloLive

I recently had the honor to visit Germany, Turkey and Afghanistan as part of an official North Atlantic Treaty Organization Parliamentary Assembly (NATO-PA) diplomatic mission representing the United States.

As an appointed delegate to the NATO-PA, an inter-parliamentary organization of legislators from NATO countries which discuss issues of common interest and concern, it was important for me to visit Afghanistan. I was able to see first hand the role the U.S. and NATO are playing in the war against terrorism, and to personally thank our troops for their service.

The recent increase in insurgent activities and violence in Afghanistan demonstrates the need for our NATO allies to join the U.S. in committing more resources and troops for an increased military presence in Afghanistan. Terrorism is a threat, not only to our nation, but to all of our freedom loving allies and we cannot let the terrorists retake Afghanistan as a safe haven and training ground for future attacks. As part of the diplomatic mission, I heard briefings on what progress is being made in Afghanistan and Iraq from President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan, and General David Petraeus, Commanding General of the Multi-National Force in Iraq.

As the elected Rapporteur of the Trans-Atlantic Relations Subcommittee of the NATO-PA Political Committee, I also presented a report on Iran to the full committee during the Spring Session of the NATO-PA. I told members that NATO should begin to include discussions on Iran in the political agenda because of its recent testing of long range missiles and its nuclear program. Members of the NATO-PA will consider amendments and the adoption of my report during the November session, as well as a resolution based on the report, which if adopted, would be sent to the senior governing body of NATO, the North Atlantic Council.

I am committed to serving as an elected delegate to the NATO-PA because our nation’s international relations are a cornerstone to a prosperous future both at home and abroad. It was an honor and a privilege to visit with our men and women serving on the front lines supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom in Turkey and Afghanistan such as Senior Master Sergeant Willie Jackson of Monticello, who is currently serving in our Armed Forces at Incirlik Air Base in Turkey. I returned more committed than ever to ensuring that we continue to provide these brave men and women and their families, our full and complete support until they are able to return home.