By Saniya Ghanoui -- June 29, 2010
General David Petraeus called the defense of troops a "moral imperative," on Tuesday during his confirmation process with the Senate Armed Services Committee.
Petraeus said he would examine the use of heavy firepower in Afghanistan, which has been criticized for making the fight more dangerous despite the fact that it has lowered airstrikes and civilian casualties.
"I want to assure the mothers and fathers of those fighting in Afghanistan that I see it as a moral imperative to bring all assets to bear to protect our men and women in uniform," Petraeus said. "Those on the ground must have all the support they need when they are in a tough situation."
Petraeus, who replaced Gen. Stanley McChrystal after he was fired for comments he made to Rolling Stone magazine, has been walking a tight line between the military and several members of Obama's administration.
The military is concerned that a fast withdrawal, expected to start July 2011, would harm the efforts to stabilize Afghanistan while some Obama officials would prefer quick drawdown and a smaller military in the country.
Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) has been critical of the withdrawal date and questioned Petraeus if he recommended the date. Petraeus said he did not recommend it, but agreed with the date.
The general said the deadline was a "message of urgency to compliment this message of enormous commitment" of the nearly 100,000 American soldiers in Afghanistan.
Petraeus noted the violence in Afghanistan could get worse in the future but said the US has made progress in certain areas, such as in the Helmand Province, a Taliban stronghold.
"My sense is that the tough fighting will continue; indeed, it may get more intense in the next few months. As we take away the enemy's safe havens and reduce the enemy's freedom of action, the insurgents will fight back," said Petraeus.
Petraeus is expected to be confirmed later this week.
(Photo courtesy: AP Images)
