President Barack Obama wanted to bring back all US troops from afghanistan but Donald Trump wants to increase the numbers because, if the troops leave, the vacuum would be filled up by terrorists. He has vowed to emerge victorious in America's longest war that has been going on for the last 16 years.
Trump’s strategy on Afghanistan
Sky News reports that while speaking at a military base near Washington, Donald Trump made it clear that for the last 16 years after the 9/11 attacks, America has not tasted victory and Afghanistan is one example. He cautioned that the results of a rapid exit cannot be foreseen and added that such an action would give rise to a vacuum and terrorists would seize the opportunity and exploit it.
President Donald Trump reiterated that America would continue to support the Afghan Government and it should take over responsibilities to run the country the country without relying on the US for assistance. That is not happening and the government has control of only half the country.
He did not elaborate on the number of US troops that would be sent neither did he specify the time frame to end US presence in the alien country. However, Defense Secretary James Mattis had plans to dispatch 4,000 troops to augment the 8,400 that are already there. It may be recalled that during 2010-2011 there were approximately 100,000 troops deployed.
The latest scenario
The general perception is that the security forces in Afghanistan are not equipped to tackle threats of the Taliban or of an Islamic State that wants a safe haven after losing ground in Syria and Iraq.
Donald Trump wants to help make the Afghan security forces stronger and more assertive to handle situations independently. He said that his mission is to eliminate terrorists and win wars.
Incidentally, during his presidential campaign, Trump was critical of the involvement of America in the 16-year conflict. His objective now is to prevent terrorists from occupying Afghanistan which is a safe haven.
They can use the country to target America. He also wants to ensure that they do not get hold of nuclear weapons and other such materials. Therefore, he has taken the decision to send more US troops. Their main responsibility would be to impart necessary training on various aspects anti-terrorism activities to the local police and security personnel so that they gain confidence to handle situations on their own.
Involvement of the US with Afghanistan dates back to 2001 when U.S. President George W. Bush demanded that the Taliban hand over Osama bin Laden who masterminded the 9/11 attack on the US. Bush also wanted Afghanistan to expel al-Qaeda from country. After Bush, it was the turn of Barack Obama who wanted US Troops to hand over charge to the local government and return back. He did initiate necessary steps for that but, Donald Trump is now in the chair and he wants to send more troops.
