Obama slows down US troop withdrawal in Afghanistan



WASHINGTON: -- The United States has shelved plans almost to halve the US force in Afghanistan by the end of the year.

Troop numbers will be reduced from the current level of just under 10,000 – but only to 8,400 instead of 5,500 as previously planned.

The Taliban insurgency had prompted the administration to rethink, influenced by senior military figures and diplomats.

President Obama took office pledging to wind down US wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. On Wednesday he explained why the troop withdrawal had to be slowed down.

“As President and Commander in Chief, I’ve made it clear that I will not allow Afghanistan to be used as a safe haven for terrorists to attack our nation again. The narrow missions assigned to our forces will not change. They remain focused on supporting Afghan forces and going after terrorists,” Barack Obama said.

The president, whose term in office ends next January, said his successor would be best positioned to make future decisions concerning the US presence.

At one stage there were 100,000 US troops in Afghanistan. Obama pointed out he had ended the combat mission in 2014.

The remaining personnel have been focused on training Afghan forces and supporting their counter-terrorism operations.

According to UN estimates Taliban forces now hold more territory in Afghanistan than at any time since the US-led invasion in 2001. The self-styled Islamic State group has also established a small presence.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani welcomed the decision, saying it showed “continued partnership between our nations to pursue our common interests”.

Obama spoke ahead of a forthcoming NATO summit in Poland where alliance members are expected to confirm their support for the Kabul government.

In addition to US forces, there are about 3,000 other international troops in Afghanistan.

-- (c) Copyright Euronews 2016-07-07

Another half measure.

The reality is they are never leaving, the meat grinder will continue to turn. Never mind, Obama got his laughable Peace Prize already.

In fact see the US has just reduced the fitness requirements for Marines, overweight women are now welcome, no more chin ups required to get on the front line. But at least equal opportunity to die for corporate America, their families consolation prize will be a cheap nylon flag probably made in China. Who wouldn't be delighted to swap their kids for that?

Edited July 7, 201610 yr by Rancid

Another broken promise from the golfing President.

The reality is they are never leaving, the meat grinder will continue to turn. Never mind, Obama got his laughable Peace Prize already.

In fact see the US has just reduced the fitness requirements for Marines, overweight women are now welcome, no more chin ups required to get on the front line. But at least equal opportunity to die for corporate America, their families consolation prize will be a cheap nylon flag probably made in China. Who wouldn't be delighted to swap their kids for that?

They should demand he return it. Absolutley ridiculous.

Another broken promise from the golfing President.

WHAT??? Is he a golfer? He must be the first POTUS to do that, right???

Another broken promise from the golfing President.

WHAT??? Is he a golfer? He must be the first POTUS to do that, right???

No but he's more dedicated to his tee off time than to dealing with important issues.

No surprises here folks, move along.

Another broken promise from the golfing President.

WHAT??? Is he a golfer? He must be the first POTUS to do that, right???

No but he's more dedicated to his tee off time than to dealing with important issues.

OK, since you obviously have inside knowledge about this I guess I'll have to take your word for it!