Envoy choice cites urgency of boosting war effort

WASHINGTON — The nominee to be the next ambassador to Afghanistan said Thursday that the U.S. and its allies must act fast to pour more money and troops into the war.

Army Lt. Gen. Karl Eikenberry told the Senate on Thursday that with the war effort lagging, the United States and the international community must urgently devote more military and civilian resources to turn around the war effort.

"The way ahead is clear but the resources to date have, regrettably, been insufficient," Eikenberry told his confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

He faces no apparent opposition and could be confirmed as early as next week.

Eikenberry, a West Point graduate with a wide range of military experience, would succeed William B. Wood, a career diplomat who has headed the U.S. Embassy there since April 2007.

If confirmed for the post, Eikenberry has said he would retire from the Army.

In an opening statement to the committee, Eikenberry underscored what he called the urgency of the requirement to turn around the war effort, which has evolved into a stalemate in key parts of Afghanistan as the Taliban-led insurgency has gained clout.

"Time is of the essence," Eikenberry said. "There will be no substitute for more resources and sacrifice."

He spoke one day before the Obama administration is expected to publicly unveil a new, broader strategy for Afghanistan, including new initiatives in support of neighboring Pakistan.

Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, said Wednesday that he sees Eikenberry as an astute choice as chief U.S. diplomat in Kabul in a period of growing worry about the war's direction.

"At such a time, Karl Eikenberry brings exceptionally valuable skills to the table," Kerry said. "After two much-lauded tours of duty there, he knows the military side of the equation as well as anyone can. In his new civilian capacity, he is uniquely placed to get the civil-military balance right."

Eikenberry has stirred no apparent opposition from any member of the committee.

"As our ambassador to Afghanistan, General Eikenberry will be able to draw upon extensive experience in engaging international partners and facilitating a more collaborative effort with the Afghans," Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Ind., the committee's top Republican, said at the hearing's outset.