U.S. foreign policy toward South Asia has become increasingly important since 9/11. The influence of al-Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan and Pakistan has led to increased violence, as well as pressure on the nation to become more involved in counter-insurgency. The use of drones in Pakistan has also strained relations between Pakistan and the U.S., as counter-terrorism operations continue unabated. American Muslims have a vested interest in foreign policy in and South Asia as it pertains to our national security. Presidential candidates must take into account military and diplomatic options. In an ever-increasing militarized world, American diplomacy should not be dismissed; it is just as important to exert diplomatic strength. 

(Source: http://archive.mpac.org/issues/foreign-policy.php)

President Barack Obama:

 1. Obama has refocused the United States’ efforts on defeating al-Qaeda in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

2. More of al-Qaeda’s senior leadership has been eliminated in the last three years than at any time since 9/11 — including the group’s leader, Osama bin Laden.

3. Obama has started to bring home our troops from Afghanistan as Afghans take ownership of the security and leadership of their country.

4. On May 1, Obama signed a historic Strategic Partnership Agreement between the United States and Afghanistan that will help us to complete our mission and end the war in the Afghanistan as fast as we safely and responsibly can.

By 2014, America’s combat mission in Afghanistan will end.

5. This marks a pivotal moment after a decade of war. The number of our troops in harm’s way has been cut in half. We have a clear path to finish our work in Afghanistan, while delivering retribution to al-Qaeda.”

(Source: http://www.barackobama.com/record/national-security?source=primary-nav)

Republican Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney:

1. Upon taking office, Romney said he will review our transition to the Afghan military by holding discussions with our commanders in the field.

2. He will order a full interagency assessment of our military and assistance presence in Afghanistan to determine the level required to secure our gains and to train Afghan forces to the point where they can protect the sovereignty of Afghanistan from the tyranny of the Taliban.

3. Withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan under a Romney administration will be based on conditions on the ground as assessed by our military commanders.

4. Romney said that to defeat the insurgency in Afghanistan, the U.S. will need the cooperation of both the Afghan and Pakistani governments

5. Pakistan should understand that any connection between insurgent forces and Pakistan’s security and intelligence forces must be severed.

(Source: http://www.mittromney.com/issues/afghanistan-pakistan)