Skip to content

Afghanistan Quote by David Petraeus

“We're here so that Afghanistan does not once again become a sanctuary for transnational extremists the way it was when al-Qaeda planned the 9/11 attacks in the Kandahar area, conducted the initial training for the attackers in training camps in Afghanistan before they moved on to Germany and then…” quote by David Petraeus
Download Open image
“We're here so that Afghanistan does not once again become a sanctuary for transnational extremists the way it was when al-Qaeda planned the 9/11 attacks in the Kandahar area, conducted the initial training for the attackers in training camps in Afghanistan before they moved on to Germany and then to U.S. flight schools.”

David Petraeus

About This Quote

Source Speech: Congressional Testimony, 2011

He argues that a stable Afghanistan prevents it from becoming a haven for global terrorists again.

In simple terms: Afghanistan must stay stable to stop terrorism.

Key Takeaway

Maintain security and governance.

Themes

security terrorism foreign policy

Mood

serious determined

Type

political strategic

When to use this quote

  • military planning
  • diplomatic negotiations
  • development aid
  • intelligence operations

Key Concepts

counterterrorism statebuilding regional stability

Questions to Reflect On

  • What policies best ensure lasting stability?
  • How can local communities be empowered against extremism?
A Different Perspective

Stability alone may not stop extremist infiltration without local support.

2.0 out of 5 (9 ratings)

More by David Petraeus

Explore all 61 David Petraeus quotes

More Afghanistan quotes

Browse all 1,159 Afghanistan quotes