Washington, D.C.--- William “Mac” Thornberry, a senior member of the U.S. House Armed Services Committee, today welcomed news that the two leading contenders to be the President of Afghanistan have accepted a runoff election.  Current Afghan President Hamid Karzai and former Foreign Minister Abdullah Abdullah will face each other in the November 7 runoff.  He offered the following statement:

"The fact that Hamid Karzai and Abdullah Abdullah have agreed to a runoff signals the rule of law is taking root in Afghanistan.  It also indicates a growing commitment to the country’s constitution and to democracy.

Advancements in the fledging Afghan democracy, however, should not delay the decision to defend America, and neither should politics. Every moment of indecision and delay increases doubt among our allies, our adversaries, and even our troops.

The President has been given a strategy to move forward in Afghanistan to accomplish the goals he set.  Now it’s time for the Commander-in-Chief to implement it.”