Durbin 'skeptical' of Afghanistan surge, wants clear withdrawal plan

The senior senator from President Barack Obama's home state isn't convinced the plan to send more troops to Afghanistan will succeed. Sen. Dick Durbin told Fox News' Chris Wallace that he wanted to talk to the president about withdrawal plans before committing to vote to support the additional troops.

"I'm skeptical as to whether 30,000 more troops will make a difference," said Durbin.

Durbin thinks a limit on America's commitment to the country is important to make clear it is not being made a protectorate. He pointed out there are over 200,000 troops there already between NATO, US military and Afghan military. He did not mention private contractors.

"If you take a look at Mr. Karzai and his leadership in this country," Durbin said. "There's a lot to be desired in terms of the last election and corruption in his government. Are we gonna let American soldiers stay there indefinitely while they dither?"

When pushed by Wallace about whether or not he will vote to support Obama's surge, Durbin insisted he needs clarification about the withdrawal plan first.

"I will meet with the president, I'm sure, and have conversations about that deadline which appears to be interpreted different ways by different people," he said. "I would like to believe by July 2011 we will be in a position where we're going to see our troops really coming home."

This video is from Fox's Fox News Sunday, broadcast Dec. 6, 2009.

Download video via RawReplay.com