Dunford Testifies

U.S. and NATO forces have made little progress eliminating the safe havens that violent extremists have maintained in Pakistan, said Gen. Joseph Dunford, President Obama's nominee to be the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan.

The problem needs to be addressed over time, Dunford said this morning during questioning at his confirmation hearing.

Dunford, the Marine Corps assistant commandant, said corruption is the most significant strategic challenge in Afghanistan. Asked if U.S. and NATO forces are winning the war in Afghanistan, Dunford said progress is being made.

But Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), the ranking member on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said if the Obama administration decides to draw down troop levels below 68,000, the war may not be worth continuing. "If we can't accomplish the mission, I'm not sure why we should stay," McCain said.

Sen. Carl Levin (D-MI), the chairman of the committee, and McCain voiced support for Gen. John Allen, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, whose nomination to lead U.S. European Command is on hold.

Also during the hearing, Dunford praised section 841 of the fiscal year 2012 Defense Authorization Act, which gave U.S. Central Command new authorities to avoid contracting with the enemy.