Saturday, January 10, 2009

VP-elect Biden arrives in Afghanistan for talks


Vice President-elect Joe Biden has arrived in Kabul, Afghanistan with Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina. Before arriving there, they met with Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari. Pakistan's government is waging a bloody battle against Taliban and al Qaeda militants in its tribal regions along the border with Afghanistan.

Biden "assured the Pakistani leadership" of the United States' "continued assistance to Pakistan."

President-elect Barack Obama has said that he wants a troop build up in Afghanistan. The sudden trip Biden has taken has drawn some people to scratch their heads or wonder what the true intent of his trip means. His aides say that it makes sense to go to the region now, rather than wait 4-6 weeks after he and Barack Obama are elected. Also this will allow Biden to report with things he has heard and seen in the region to Obama. Biden's foreign policy expertise proves vital in an administration that features an inexperienced President.

There is nothing Biden can really do in the region at this point because he is still technically a senator. However, his trip could start the mark of a new era of foreign policy and possibly a move to peace in the region.

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