The US Congress and the Politics of Afghanistan: An Analysis of the Senate Foreign Relations and Armed Services Committees during George W. Bush's Second Term
Résumé
This article considers the role of United States Congress in the Afghanistan
conflict—and notably that of the Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees—
from 2005 to 2009. Both of these committees had some legal oversight of the Afghan War,
especially with regard to funding. During the first half of this period the Republicans had a
majority while in the second half the Democrats took control. This led to differences in
approach and method, which are here examined. Certainly, congressional committees
operate generally in the open, which gives them a unique influence in framing issues in the
press and thus before the public. Furthermore, five key members of the Obama
administration belonged to these committees, attended their hearings and had much of
their opinion shaped by their activities. An in-depth analysis of them during Bush’s second
term can provide us with valuable insights into the Obama administration’s later policy
decisions.