The Biden administration announced its decision on the way forward in Afghanistan on Tuesday, saying that it would withdraw all United States (US) troops from the war-torn nation before the 20th anniversary of 9/11 this year.
In a background press call, a senior government official said that President Biden had made the determination following a review of “genuine, realistic options to advance and protect US interests” and intense consultations with his Cabinet, members of Congress, the Afghan government, NATO allies, and partners and other nations and regional powers. “What emerged was a clear-eyed assessment of the best path forward,” the official said, stressing that there was no military solution to the crisis in the country and that the US would continue to support the ongoing peace process.
The US is expected to begin a drawdown of its forces before May 1, which is the deadline for complete troop withdrawal under the terms of the US-Taliban peace deal signed last February. The official emphasised that a “hasty, ill-coordinated withdrawal” that risked the lives of American and allied forces was “not a viable option,” which is why the administration took the call to pull troops out in close coordination with its NATO Allies and operational partners. “We went in together, adjusted together, and now we will prepare to leave together,” the official said. This is in line with the US’ and NATO’s statements at the NATO Foreign Ministerial last month, when the leaders argued for a consultation-focused and conditions-based pull-out that would not undercut security gains.
Despite the reduction in troop presence, the official said that the US will remain “deeply engaged” with the Afghan government and extend not just robust diplomatic support to advance peace negotiations, but also work with other countries to provide economic and humanitarian tools “to protect the gains made by Afghan women” over the years. The official added that Washington will further encourage any future government in Afghanistan to expand resources for refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), and work with Congress to increase and expedite Special Immigrant Visas for those who supported US efforts in the country.
With regards to counterterrorism, the official stressed that the US was not overlooking signs of al-Qaeda’s resurgence and said that Washington will continue to work “relentlessly” with its partners to reposition its counterterrorism capabilities and retain significant assets in the region to counter such a threat. The official further noted President Biden’s desire to shift the US’ focus from the post-9/11 era to current priorities, including increasing competition with China, and global pandemics. To address these new challenges, the official said that it was crucial for the US to “close the book on a 20-year conflict in Afghanistan and move forward with clear eyes and an effective strategy to protect and defend America’s national security interests.”
Biden is expected to make a formal statement on this issue on Wednesday. The decision will undoubtedly impact the upcoming meeting on intra-Afghan peace in Turkey this week, which is a US-sponsored effort to advance negotiations between the Taliban and the Afghan government. Mohammed Naeem, a spokesman for the Taliban office in Qatar, said on Tuesday that the group “will not participate in any conference that shall make decisions about Afghanistan” until all foreign forces had completely withdrawn from the country. The Taliban has also promised to renew attacks on US and NATO personnel if they do not comply with the May 1 deadline, which has raised concerns about a resumption of hostilities and instability in the country.
US to Withdraw All Troops from Afghanistan by September 11
The US is expected to begin a drawdown of its forces before May 1, which is the deadline for complete troop withdrawal under the terms of the US-Taliban peace deal signed in February.
April 14, 2021
SOURCE: VOA