Sens. McCain, Graham Make Surprise Visit to Afghanistan
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Chris Maddaloni/CQ Roll Call(KABUL, Afghanistan) — Republican Sens. John McCain of Arizona and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina spent their Fourth of July in Afghanistan.
The lawmakers made an unannounced visit to Kabul amid the current stalemate between Afghan President Hamid Karzai and the U.S. over what the American role will be after most coalition troops leave the country in 2014.
Some of the roadblocks include how large a force the U.S. will leave behind for security purposes and the stalled peace talks with the Taliban.
However, McCain, the ranking GOP member of Senate Armed Services Committee, was optimistic that these issues can be worked out because “the strategic partnership is very important.”
Meanwhile, McCain also remarked about the situation in Egypt in which President Mohammed Morsi was ousted by the military.
The senator told reporters that while much of the public was critical of the direction Morsi was taking Egypt, Washington still desires “a rapid transition back to democracy” to ensure the delivery of future U.S. financial aid that will be pivotal in helping the country get back on its feet.
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