ND lawmaker speaks out on Obama's military plan

(WDAZ TV) - A North Dakota lawmaker says pulling troops out of the Middle East would be dangerous. Congressman Earl Pomeroy says answers in Afghanistan may lie in how troops handled situations in Iraq.

After the 2001 initial invasion on Afghanistan following 9-11, much of the U.S. military focus shifted to Iraq. Meanwhile, the Taliban and Al Queda were rebuilding. Today, President Obama is faced with the decision of sending more troops or even working with the Taliban.

"We think our role is to help Afghanistan provide their security."

Congressman Pomeroy says the question is how many troops should go and is the risk worth it?

"Afghanistan was just left to drift, and in the meantime warlords, poppy production, and Taliban and Al Queda safe havens. It all just went to pieces on us.”

A senior administration official says Obama is prepared to accept some Taliban involvement in the afghan central government.

"The thing that turned the corner in Iraq was when we got Sunni fighters who had been killing Americans to participate with Americans and turn on Al Queda. I don't know if there's a possibility to achieve something like that."

Pomeroy says it could be done, but if we draw troops out now completely, it could mean a whole new insurgence and a large scale military operation to gain control back. Pomeroy says his fear in withdrawing troops is the Taliban would see that as a victory.