Mass. Lawmakers Speak Out Against Afghanistan Plan

President Obama's plan to send 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan is drawing criticism from many in the Massachusetts' congressional delegation.

Congressman James McGovern said he fears the U.S. is entering a war with no end, and that the strategy will be counterproductive.

"It will be used as a recruiting tool by the Taliban to recruit more people into their forces," McGovern said. "I don't see this as a way to calm things in Afghanistan, nor do I see this as an effective way to go after al-Qaida."

McGovern also said the increase would be a mistake in light of allegations of fraud in Afghanistan's presidential election. "I don't want to put any more American men and women's lives at risk defending a government that is corrupt and incompetent," he said.

Interim U.S. Sen. Paul Kirk echoed that concern, saying he questions the "legitimacy of our Afghan partner."

Rep. Barney Frank said a troop buildup is not worth the cost. "More Americans are going to be at risk because we don't have adequate police services and fire services than if we pull out of Afghanistan," the congressman said.

The only support Mr. Obama has gotten from Massachusetts so far comes from Sen. John Kerry. He has said he supports the increase as long as Afghan security forces take over quickly.