CONGRESSWOMAN DAVIS VISIT AFGHANISTAN, URGES SUPPORT FOR RIGHTS OF AFGHAN WOMEN AFTER TROOPS WITHDRAW

May 25, 2014 (San Diego)--While many legislators spent time with family on Mother’s Day, Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-San  Diego) went to Afghanistan. Davis, whose district includes much of East County, led a bipartisan group of women Congressional members to visit with U.S. service members and with groups of Afghan women—as she has done each Mother’s Day since 2009.

“Seeing Afghanistan through the eyes of our Mother's Day trips over the last six years has given our bipartisan delegation a unique perspective on our mission in Afghanistan and the future of that country,” Representative Davis says.”

The group thanked troops, especially mothers serving far away from their children, and presented hand-made Mother’s Day cards from children in local schools.

They also visited a local school in Afghanistan—all while Afghans experienced their first open presidential primary election and prepare for the departure of coalition forces.

The Afghan people remain wary, fearing that coalition members may abandon them, Congresswoman Davis said, urging that this issue be addressed. She also urged support of a bilateral security agreement by both Afghan presidential candidates, adding “Even as coalition forces reduce their presence, there is growing confidence in the Afghan National Army and police, but increasing their ability to operate independent of coalition forces remains a challenge.”

Finally, Congresswoman Davis observed, “With so much transition in Afghanistan, the question is really how to judge success.  I believe we can judge their future by how integrated women are in the workings and decisions of the government and civil society.  In many cases, the gains made over the last 13 years will best be sustained where U.S. support is clear in purpose and limited in scope, and where the American people see purpose in our efforts.”