Afghan War Support Wanes After bin Laden Death

Now that al-Qaida chief Osama bin Laden has been killed, many congressmen and average Americans alike think it’s time to begin winding down the war in Afghanistan, The Hill reports.

The sentiment appears more widespread among Democrats than Republicans, but many in the GOP support the idea too.

Dick Lugar

A new Gallup poll shows that 54 percent of Democrats say we have achieved our goal in Afghanistan, compared to 38 percent of Republicans and 44 percent of independents.

Among prominent Republicans who have called for shifting focus from Afghanistan is Sen. Dick Lugar of Indiana, ranking member of the Foreign Relations Committee.

It’s no longer “clear why we’re there,” Lugar said in a committee meeting Tuesday.

Meanwhile, countries such as Yemen that serve as stomping grounds for terrorists “are getting a free pass,” Lugar added.