Is sending more U.S. troops to Afghanistan the answer? 68,000 U.S. troops are currently there.

• Position: DEBATE

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YES "Those who attacked America on 9/11 are plotting to do so again. If left unchecked, the Taliban insurgency will mean an even larger safe haven from which Al Qaeda would plot to kill more Americans. So this is not only a war worth fighting--this is fundamental to the defense of our people."

This is what President Obama said in August about the importance of America's mission in Afghanistan, and I agree.

The top American commander on the ground in Afghanistan, General Stanley McChrystal, says the U.S. needs to send more troops to Afghanistan in order to be successful, there--and we need to do it as soon as possible.

We have seen the deadly consequences of failing to provide enough troops over the last eight years in both Iraq and Afghanistan. This approach has led to innocent civilians being killed and terrorists flooding back into areas as soon as the U.S. military leaves, and it will ultimately hand victory to the terrorists.

On the other hand, a counterinsurgency approach--with the additional, troops now being requested--will bring victory to the U.S. and to the people of Afghanistan. With this strategy, our troops eliminate terrorists and then stay to protect the civilians and establish a safe community. Even more importantly, this approach wilt provide the tools needed to allow the people of Afghanistan to earn a good living. In the long run, a paycheck is one of the most effective weapons against the lure of terrorism.

It is critical that the President listen to commanders on the ground, not the ever-changing political, winds in Washington. The President needs to provide General. McChrystal with the troops he needs to bring American troops home in victory and to put Afghanistan on a road to peace.

--SENATOR KIT BOND, REPUBLICAN OF MISSOURI

NO After eight years of war in Afghanistan, it would be unwise for the United States to send more troops right now.

The U.S...