WASHINGTON, Oct. 9 (UPI) -- Two leading U.S. Democratic Party lawmakers, opposed to a troop buildup in Afghanistan, warn such a step could lead to efforts to cut off funds for it.
"I believe we need to more narrowly focus our efforts and have a much more achievable and targeted policy in that region," said Rep. David R. Obey, D-Wis., chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Obey said without such focus, the United States runs "the risk of repeating the mistakes we made in Vietnam and the Russians made in Afghanistan."
Committee member Rep. John P. Murtha, D-Pa., warned of a House floor fight if a request to fund more troops comes up for a vote.
"The public is worn out by war," he said. "The troops, no matter what the military says, are exhausted."
The comments suggested President Barack Obama could face opposition in Congress if he approves sending 40,000 more troops, as recommended by Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, commander of the U.S and NATO troops in Afghanistan, the newspaper said.
Obama has been reviewing the Afghan policy, with options, besides McChrystal's assessment, including focusing more on al-Qaida and strengthening the Afghan army. The report said congressional Republicans want Obama to approve McChrystal's recommendation.
