WASHINGTON -- A Foreign Service officer who resigned in protest over U.S. policy in Afghanistan says America shouldn't be bogged down in "a civil war" in South Asia.

Matthew Hoh is a former Marine who fought in Iraq and became a diplomat in a Taliban stronghold. He said on NBC's "Today" show Monday he's gotten support for stepping down after only six months in the job.

Hoh said he believes the reaction he's heard reinforces his view that the war is only fueling the insurgency in Afghanistan. He also said "there's been no ill will" from the Obama administration. Hoh said the Afghan people view U.S. troops as occupiers and that it makes no sense to carry on.