Wednesday, May 10, 2017

More US Afghan Troops Worries Some Solons; Increase Necessary to Break Terrorist Impasse

An expected significant increase in the number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan is bringing praise from critics of the drawdown of forces in the region, but renewed concerns from Democrats unsure of the president's strategy for the war, the Military Times website reports today (May 10, 2017).


The news comes three months after Gen. John Nicholson Jr., commander of U.S. Forces Afghanistan, told lawmakers that he needed additional forces to expand advising and training of Afghan troops and break the "stalemate" with terrorist groups still operating in the region.


About 8,500 U.S. troops and another 5,000 troops from foreign allies are still stationed in Afghanistan, even though official combat mission there ended in 2014.


The new plan would authorize the Pentagon to set its own troop numbers for Afghanistan, instead of following White House recommendations.

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