Trump Administration Wants All U.S. Troops Out Of Iraq And Afghanistan By Spring
4 years, 1 month ago

Trump Administration Wants All U.S. Troops Out Of Iraq And Afghanistan By Spring

NPR  

Trump Administration Wants All U.S. Troops Out Of Iraq And Afghanistan By Spring Enlarge this image toggle caption Drew Angerer/Getty Images Drew Angerer/Getty Images The White House announced Tuesday that it will pull thousands of troops out of Iraq and Afghanistan by Jan. 15. A force of 2,500 service members will remain in both countries, but the Trump administration aims to have all remaining troops out of Iraq and Afghanistan by Spring 2021. "By May, it is President Trump's hope that they will all come home safely — and in their entirety," national security adviser Robert O'Brien said. Nearly 3,000 lives were lost in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and an additional 7,000 American service members have been killed in the nearly 20 years of armed conflict since.

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History of this topic

Trump explodes at 'these morons in the White House' after report blames him for Afghanistan debacle
1 year, 9 months ago

Trump explodes at 'these morons in the White House' after report blames him for Afghanistan debacle

Raw Story  

Former President Donald Trump threw another Truth Social tantrum in the wake of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's thirty-four-felony-count indictment against him on Thursday afternoon, railing against President Joe Biden's handling of the United States' withdrawal from Afghanistan that he negotiated himself in 2020 before he lost the election. Trump wrote at 4:47 p.m.: These Morons in the White House, …

Republicans probe chaotic US military withdrawal from Afghanistan
1 year, 11 months ago

Republicans probe chaotic US military withdrawal from Afghanistan

Al Jazeera  

About 2,500 US soldiers died in Afghanistan, a conflict that became the longest war the United States fought. Republican legislators have launched an investigation into the chaotic United States military withdrawal from Afghanistan, which allowed an immediate takeover by the Taliban and led to scenes of thousands of desperate people storming Kabul airport, some clinging to departing US planes as …

Timeline of events in Afghanistan since Taliban takeover
2 years, 4 months ago

Timeline of events in Afghanistan since Taliban takeover

The Hindu  

The Taliban's capture of Kabul on Aug. 15, 2021 brought the hardline movement back into power in Afghanistan nearly 20 years after they were toppled by the U.S. invasion following the 9/11 attacks. Feb. 29, 2020 — U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration signs an agreement with the Taliban committing to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan by May 1, 2021. April …

5 Questions Now After President Biden's Afghanistan Withdrawal
3 years, 4 months ago

5 Questions Now After President Biden's Afghanistan Withdrawal

NPR  

5 Questions Now After President Biden's Afghanistan Withdrawal Enlarge this image toggle caption Evan Vucci/AP Evan Vucci/AP President Biden issued a stern defense Tuesday of his decision to exit Afghanistan. "My fellow Americans, the war in Afghanistan is now over," Biden said from the White House. "I was not going to extend this forever war," Biden said, "and I was …

Last troops exit Afghanistan, ending America's longest war
3 years, 4 months ago

Last troops exit Afghanistan, ending America's longest war

The Hindu  

The United States completed its withdrawal from Afghanistan late Monday, ending America’s longest war and closing a chapter in military history likely to be remembered for colossal failures, unfulfilled promises and a frantic final exit that cost the lives of more than 180 Afghans and 13 U.S. service members, some barely older than the war. Taliban proclaim 'full independence' The …

US troops in final phase of pullout from Afghanistan, Taliban prepare govt
3 years, 4 months ago

US troops in final phase of pullout from Afghanistan, Taliban prepare govt

Live Mint  

US forces were in the final phase of pulling out of Kabul, ending two decades of costly involvement in Afghanistan, as the country's new Taliban rulers prepared to take control of the airport. Just over 1,000 civilians remained at the airport on Sunday to be flown out before the troops finally leave, a Western security official told Reuters. Britain's last …

Biden: Troops will stay in Afghanistan to evacuate Americans
3 years, 4 months ago

Biden: Troops will stay in Afghanistan to evacuate Americans

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden said Wednesday that he is committed to keeping U.S. troops in Afghanistan until every American is evacuated, even if that means maintaining a military presence there beyond his Aug. 31 deadline for withdrawal. In an interview with ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos, Biden said the U.S. will do “everything in our power” to evacuate Americans and …

Will respond with 'devastating force' if Taliban interferes with US evacuation operations, warns Biden
3 years, 4 months ago

Will respond with 'devastating force' if Taliban interferes with US evacuation operations, warns Biden

Firstpost  

Biden said the US mission is short and limited in scope, and focused on get its people and allies out as safely and quickly as possible Washington: US President Joe Biden has warned the Taliban of swift and forceful response from the US if they attack American personnel or disrupt their operations in Afghanistan. He said if the Taliban interfered …

Biden stands by Afghanistan withdrawal, says there was no good time to leave
3 years, 4 months ago

Biden stands by Afghanistan withdrawal, says there was no good time to leave

LA Times  

President Biden, facing the biggest political crisis of his term, defended the chaotic withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan amid the rapid collapse of the country’s government, taking responsibility for ending the 20-year war but deflecting blame for the “hard and messy” events of recent days. What we could not provide them was the will to fight for that future.” …

Biden orders 1,000 more troops to aid Afghanistan departure
3 years, 4 months ago

Biden orders 1,000 more troops to aid Afghanistan departure

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden authorized an additional 1,000 U.S. troops for deployment to Afghanistan, raising to roughly 5,000 the number of U.S. troops to ensure what Biden called an “orderly and safe drawdown” of American and allied personnel. The last-minute decision to re-insert thousands of U.S. troops into Afghanistan reflected the dire state of security as the Taliban seized …

Biden orders 1,000 more troops to aid Afghanistan departure
3 years, 4 months ago

Biden orders 1,000 more troops to aid Afghanistan departure

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden authorized on Saturday an additional 1,000 U.S. troops for deployment to Afghanistan, raising to roughly 5,000 the number of U.S. troops to ensure what Biden called an “orderly and safe drawdown” of American and allied personnel. The last-minute decision to re-insert thousands of U.S. troops into Afghanistan reflected the dire state of security as the …

After 20 years of lies and war, U.S. retreat underway as Taliban retake control of Afghanistan
3 years, 4 months ago

After 20 years of lies and war, U.S. retreat underway as Taliban retake control of Afghanistan

Salon  

This article originally appeared at Common Dreams. Nearly two full decades of lies and wishful thinking from U.S. generals, politicians, liberal interventionists, and neoconservative talking heads came into full view Sunday as the Taliban in Afghanistan entered Kabul, while American military forces and diplomatic personnel rapidly evacuated the U.S. Embassy and the Afghan government of President Ashraf Ghani negotiated a …

Biden authorizes 1,000 more troops to be sent to Afghanistan
3 years, 4 months ago

Biden authorizes 1,000 more troops to be sent to Afghanistan

CNN  

CNN — President Joe Biden announced the authorization of an additional direct deployment of 1,000 troops to Afghanistan in a statement Saturday. Biden said he authorized the deployment “to make sure we can have an orderly and safe drawdown of US personnel and other allied personnel and an orderly and safe evacuation of Afghans who helped our troops during our …

Here's Why Biden Is Sticking With The U.S. Exit From Afghanistan
3 years, 4 months ago

Here's Why Biden Is Sticking With The U.S. Exit From Afghanistan

NPR  

Here's Why Biden Is Sticking With The U.S. Exit From Afghanistan Enlarge this image toggle caption Alex Wong/Getty Images Alex Wong/Getty Images President Biden promised that the United States withdrawal from Afghanistan would not be a hasty rush to the exits. Sponsor Message The move has led to more questions about whether the United States was mistaken by withdrawing so …

US sending more troops to Afghanistan for personnel drawdown
3 years, 4 months ago

US sending more troops to Afghanistan for personnel drawdown

Al Jazeera  

US President Joe Biden says his administration warned Taliban against any action putting US personnel at risk. The United States will send additional troops to Afghanistan to help draw down the American embassy in Kabul and remove personnel, President Joe Biden has announced, as the Taliban seized control of the country’s north in another major setback for the Afghan government. …

Taliban attacks pose 'existential crisis' to Afghanistan: U.S. watchdog
3 years, 5 months ago

Taliban attacks pose 'existential crisis' to Afghanistan: U.S. watchdog

The Hindu  

Afghanistan faces an "existential crisis" after a surge in Taliban attacks ahead of a planned withdrawal of American troops from the country, a U.S. watchdog said in a report on July 29. But analysis by the U.S. Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction said strikes by militants had increased since the United States struck a Feburary 2020 deal to pull …

George W. Bush says consequences of the US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan will be ‘unbelievably bad’
3 years, 5 months ago

George W. Bush says consequences of the US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan will be ‘unbelievably bad’

CNN  

CNN — Former President George W. Bush on Wednesday called the US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan a mistake and predicted that the consequences, especially for Afghan women and girls, will be “unbelievably bad.” “You know, I think it is,” Bush told German news outlet Deutsche Welle when asked if the withdrawal is a mistake. “I think the consequences are going …

The Afghan endgame: The US retreats, Taliban returns
3 years, 6 months ago

The Afghan endgame: The US retreats, Taliban returns

Hindustan Times  

With the last batch of American soldiers returning home from Bagram Air Base, once the symbol of the United States ’s presence in Afghanistan, on July 2, the longest war in the America’s history is drawing to an end. The US presence in this latest war brought about a modicum of stability beginning in 2001 but at a heavy cost …

What lies ahead for Afghanistan after U.S. exit?
3 years, 6 months ago

What lies ahead for Afghanistan after U.S. exit?

The Hindu  

The story so far: On July 2, U.S. troops departed from the Bagram Air Base that coordinated the 20-year-long war in Afghanistan, effectively ending their military operations in the country. If the Taliban had controlled 73 of Afghanistan’s 407 districts before May 1, the number of districts went up to 157 in two months as of June 29, according to …

Withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan is turning out to be a complicated affair
3 years, 7 months ago

Withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan is turning out to be a complicated affair

The Hindu  

In the second week of April, United States President Joseph Biden officially announced the much-awaited decision to withdraw all U.S. troops from Afghanistan after more than two decades of occupation and mayhem. William Burns, director of the Central Intelligence Agency, told the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee in April that there was “a significant risk” attached to the withdrawal of U.S. …

US envoy: Fear of Taliban conquering Kabul are overblown
3 years, 7 months ago

US envoy: Fear of Taliban conquering Kabul are overblown

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — Predictions that the Taliban will quickly overrun Afghan government forces and conquer Kabul once U.S. and coalition forces have fully withdrawn are unduly pessimistic, Washington’s special envoy to Afghanistan said Tuesday. “On the other hand, you get a military that stays together and a government that stays together.” Rep. Michael McCaul, a Texas Republican and withdrawal critic, asserted …

Formal start of final phase of Afghan pullout by US, NATO
3 years, 8 months ago

Formal start of final phase of Afghan pullout by US, NATO

India TV News  

The final phase of ending America's “forever war” in Afghanistan after 20 years formally began Saturday, with the withdrawal of the last US and NATO troops by the end of summer. President Joe Biden had set May 1 as the official start of the withdrawal of the remaining forces — about 2,500-3,500 U.S. troops and about 7,000 NATO soldiers. The …

Afghan retreat: US starts withdrawing from its longest war
3 years, 8 months ago

Afghan retreat: US starts withdrawing from its longest war

Al Jazeera  

US President Biden, determined to end what he called ‘the forever war’, says pullout to be complete by September 11. Afghan National Security Council adviser Hamdullah Mohib said the Taliban “may choose war” in an attempt to grab power after US troops fully exit, but security forces were ready to face the fighters. US President Joe Biden is determined to …

US begins final withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan to end America’s longest war
3 years, 8 months ago

US begins final withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan to end America’s longest war

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The US has started …

Afghanistan: US troop withdrawal has begun
3 years, 8 months ago

Afghanistan: US troop withdrawal has begun

CNN  

CNN — The US military withdrawal from Afghanistan is now formally underway, according to the White House and several US defense officials. “While these actions will initially result in increased forces levels, we remain committed to having all of US military personnel out of Afghanistan by September 11, 2020.” Fewer than 100 troops, along with military equipment, have been moved …

US sending around 650 troops to Afghanistan to protect forces as they withdraw
3 years, 8 months ago

US sending around 650 troops to Afghanistan to protect forces as they withdraw

CNN  

CNN — The Pentagon is assembling a force of around 650 troops to send to Afghanistan in the coming days to protect US forces as they withdraw from the country, according to several defense officials. On Sunday, Gen. Austin Scott Miller, commander of US Forces Afghanistan and NATO’s Resolute Support Mission, said some troops were being moved within the country. …

US begins to move equipment out of Afghanistan and approves deployment of forces to protect withdrawal operations
3 years, 8 months ago

US begins to move equipment out of Afghanistan and approves deployment of forces to protect withdrawal operations

CNN  

CNN — The US military withdrawal from Afghanistan is now underway with equipment being packed and shipped out, three defense officials tell CNN. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin approved the extension of the USS Eisenhower aircraft carrier’s mission to “remain in the Central Command area of responsibility for a period of time,” and approved “the addition of some long-range bombers” …

US may increase number of soldiers in Afghanistan before troops' withdrawal: Pentagon
3 years, 8 months ago

US may increase number of soldiers in Afghanistan before troops' withdrawal: Pentagon

India Today  

Before the complete withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan by September 11, there might be an increase in number of soldiers to ensure safe and orderly drawdown, the Pentagon has said. "It is not out of the realm the possibility that for a short period of time, there will have to be some additional enabling capabilities added to Afghanistan, to …

Biden to pull US troops from Afghanistan, end ‘forever war’
3 years, 8 months ago

Biden to pull US troops from Afghanistan, end ‘forever war’

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden said Wednesday he will withdraw remaining U.S. troops from the “forever war” in Afghanistan, declaring that the Sept. 11 terror attacks of 20 years ago cannot justify American forces still dying in the nation’s longest war. “It is time to end America’s longest war,” Biden said, but he added that the U.S. will “not conduct …

Troop withdrawal from Afghanistan | Time to end America’s longest war, says Biden
3 years, 8 months ago

Troop withdrawal from Afghanistan | Time to end America’s longest war, says Biden

The Hindu  

President Joe Biden said Wednesday he will withdraw remaining U.S. troops from the “forever war” in Afghanistan, declaring that the Sept. 11 attacks cannot justify American forces still being there 20 years after the deadliest terror assault on the United States. “It is time to end America’s longest war,” Mr Biden said, but he added that the U.S. will “not …

Biden Pledges To End War In Afghanistan After 2 Decades
3 years, 8 months ago

Biden Pledges To End War In Afghanistan After 2 Decades

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING The U.S. will end its military presence in Afghanistan later this year, President Joe Biden announced on Wednesday afternoon ― concluding a two-decade conflict. Two Democrats,” Biden said in a prepared speech delivered from the White House Treaty Room — the same place where President George W. Bush announced the beginning of the war in 2001. Biden …

How will US troop withdrawal affect Afghanistan?
3 years, 8 months ago

How will US troop withdrawal affect Afghanistan?

Al Jazeera  

President Joe Biden will withdraw all US troops from Afghanistan by the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. President Joe Biden plans to withdraw all US troops from Afghanistan by September 11, 2021. The planned withdrawal will miss a May 1 deadline for a pull-out that the Trump administration agreed with the Taliban last year. Presenter: Folly Bah Thibault …

Biden set to withdraw remaining US troops from Afghanistan by 9/11 anniversary
3 years, 8 months ago

Biden set to withdraw remaining US troops from Afghanistan by 9/11 anniversary

India Today  

President Joe Biden plans to withdraw the remaining 2,500 U.S. troops from Afghanistan by September 11, 2021, 20 years to the day after the al-Qaeda attacks that triggered America's longest war, U.S. officials said on Tuesday. Biden's decision suggests he has concluded that the U.S. military presence will no longer be decisive in achieving lasting peace in Afghanistan, a core …

Biden’s goal: Ending ‘America’s longest war’ in Afghanistan
3 years, 8 months ago

Biden’s goal: Ending ‘America’s longest war’ in Afghanistan

Al Jazeera  

The US president officially announces his troop withdrawal plan, which is celebrated by some and causes concern among others. “I think all allies are aware that this is not an easy decision, and this is a decision that entails risks, and also a decision that really requires that we continue to stay focused on Afghanistan, partly to make sure that …

U.S. to withdraw troops from Afghanistan by September 11
3 years, 8 months ago

U.S. to withdraw troops from Afghanistan by September 11

The Hindu  

The U.S. will begin its drawdown of troops in Afghanistan before May 1 and complete the process before September 11, according to a senior U.S. administration official. “We will begin an orderly draw-down of the remaining forces before May 1st and plan to have all U.S. troops out of the country before the 20th anniversary of 9/11,” the official told …

Biden to withdraw US troops from Afghanistan by September 11
3 years, 8 months ago

Biden to withdraw US troops from Afghanistan by September 11

Al Jazeera  

The US will not meet the May 1 deadline agreed upon by the Trump administration and the Taliban. United States President Joe Biden will leave US troops in Afghanistan past the current May 1 deadline but will withdraw them by September 11, US officials said on Tuesday. “After a rigorous policy review, President Biden has decided to draw down the …

Biden to order immediate US withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan after 20 years
3 years, 8 months ago

Biden to order immediate US withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan after 20 years

Salon  

President Joe Biden plans to withdraw all U.S. troops from Afghanistan by September 11 of this year, a day that marks the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, which first led the nation into what many called its "forever war." Biden's announcement, expected to be made public on Wednesday, flouts a Trump-era deal brokered with the Taliban in which …

U.S. troops withdrawal in Afghanistan: A long drawn-out endgame
3 years, 9 months ago

U.S. troops withdrawal in Afghanistan: A long drawn-out endgame

The Hindu  

I n accordance with the Afghan peace agreement signed in 2020, the United States occupation forces are supposed to be exiting that country by the beginning of May this year. He has been busy meeting Afghan government officials and the Taliban in recent weeks to outline Washington’s policy options as U.S. troops prepare to leave. “Even with the continuation of …

US official warns Congress on troop withdrawal from Afghanistan
3 years, 9 months ago

US official warns Congress on troop withdrawal from Afghanistan

Al Jazeera  

Removing US troops without a peace deal would be ‘a disaster’, says John Sopko, as new talks set to begin in Moscow. A top United States official working on Afghanistan has warned Congress that a withdrawal of US troops from the country without a peace agreement between the Afghan government and the Taliban would be “a disaster”. John Sopko, the …

US downsizes its troops in Afghanistan to 2,500
3 years, 11 months ago

US downsizes its troops in Afghanistan to 2,500

Al Jazeera  

President Trump, who ordered the reduction last year, says that troop levels in Afghanistan reached a 19-year low. President Donald Trump, who ordered the reduction in November last year, said on Thursday that troop levels in Afghanistan had reached a 19-year low, although he did not mention the number. Moving forward, while the Department continues with planning capable of further …

America can’t stay in Afghanistan forever
4 years ago

America can’t stay in Afghanistan forever

CNN  

Editor’s Note: Gayle Tzemach Lemmon is an adjunct senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations. CNN — As President Trump seeks to draw down US troops from Afghanistan and Iraq, some have argued the decision is about bringing an end to America’s endless wars. “The question is whether the people of America are ready to support surrendering the fate …

President Donald Trump to cut number of US troops in Iraq and Afghanistan
4 years, 1 month ago

President Donald Trump to cut number of US troops in Iraq and Afghanistan

ABC  

The United States has announced plans to reduce the number of the country's troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, with defence officials saying the decision fulfills outgoing President Donald Trump's pledge to bring forces home. Key points: The US plans to cut more than 2,000 troops from Afghanistan and as many as 500 from Iraq Fellow Republican Mitch McConnell said cutting …

Donald Trump said to be readying to withdraw troops from Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia
4 years, 1 month ago

Donald Trump said to be readying to withdraw troops from Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia

Firstpost  

Trump’s national security advisor, Robert O’Brien, said last month that the United States would withdraw about 2,500 troops from Afghanistan by early next year Washington: President Donald Trump is expected to order the US military to withdraw thousands of troops from Afghanistan, Iraq and Somalia by the time he leaves office in January, using the end of his time in …

Trump cuts troop levels to 2,500 in Iraq and Afghanistan
4 years, 1 month ago

Trump cuts troop levels to 2,500 in Iraq and Afghanistan

LA Times  

U.S. troops attend a ceremony on Christmas Eve in 2017 at a U.S. airfield in Bagram, north of Kabul, Afghanistan. “I am formally announcing that we will implement President Trump’s orders to continue our repositioning of forces from these two countries,” Miller told reporters at a Pentagon news conference. “Having lost the election, he’s now trying to tie President-elect Biden’s …

Trump To Order Thousands Of U.S. Troops Withdrawn From Afghanistan
4 years, 1 month ago

Trump To Order Thousands Of U.S. Troops Withdrawn From Afghanistan

NPR  

Trump To Order Thousands Of U.S. Troops Withdrawn From Afghanistan Afghan officials and citizens react to reports that President Trump is planning to accelerate the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan — reducing the number to 2,500 by January. NPR has learned the plan would leave the United States with just 2,500 troops in Afghanistan, which we will discuss with …

US announces further drawdown of troops in Afghanistan and Iraq before Biden takes office
4 years, 1 month ago

US announces further drawdown of troops in Afghanistan and Iraq before Biden takes office

CNN  

CNN — Acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller announced Tuesday that the US will withdraw thousands more US troops from Afghanistan and Iraq by January 15, 2021 – just days before President-elect Joe Biden takes office, confirming plans first reported by CNN on Monday. A senior defense official said Tuesday’s announcement is “consistent” with what Trump publicly announced earlier this …

Jens Stoltenberg, NATO chief, warns against premature withdrawal from Afghanistan
4 years, 1 month ago

Jens Stoltenberg, NATO chief, warns against premature withdrawal from Afghanistan

CNN  

Washington CNN — NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg issued a stark warning Tuesday that any premature withdrawal from Afghanistan could be dangerous, a day after CNN and other outlets reported that President Donald Trump is eyeing a troop drawdown against the advice of the nation’s top military officials. CNN, citing two US officials familiar with the matter, reported on Monday …

US announces plans to cut troop levels in Afghanistan, Iraq
4 years, 1 month ago

US announces plans to cut troop levels in Afghanistan, Iraq

Al Jazeera  

Pentagon outlines plans to reduce number of US forces in Afghanistan from approximately 4,500 to 2,500 by mid-January. The moves reflect Trump’s policy “to bring the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq to a successful and responsible conclusion and to bring our brave service members home”, Miller said. The drawdown will have less of an impact in Iraq, Al Jazeera’s Simona …

AP sources: Trump to order troop cuts in Afghanistan, Iraq
4 years, 1 month ago

AP sources: Trump to order troop cuts in Afghanistan, Iraq

Associated Press  

President Donald Trump is expected to cut a significant number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan and a smaller number in Iraq by the final days of his presidency, U.S. officials said Monday. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said the Trump administration has made tremendous headway against terrorist threats, but warned against a potentially “humiliating” pullout from Afghanistan that he said …

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