On Saturday, a historic agreement between the United States and the Taliban was signed in an effort to end the over 18 years of war in Afghanistan. According to the agreement, all of the US troops will withdraw from Afghanistan over the next 14 months. In exchange, the United States received a pledge to discuss a long-term cease-fire. It will also take measures to prevent terrorist groups from using Afghanistan as a safe haven.
Thanks to @POTUS Trump’s leadership, we are finally making substantial progress toward ending our nation’s longest war. Today’s release of the Joint Declaration between Afghanistan and the U.S. marks a pivotal moment in the #AfghanPeaceProcess. #ForAfghanistan #WeAreNATO pic.twitter.com/pWjgiUv6mj
— Department of Defense 🇺🇸 (@DeptofDefense) February 29, 2020
The move has been met with differing opinions. While the Taliban has been an issue for over 18 years, an effective removal is welcome to most Americans. Some were not so sure of the pact, however.
The withdrawal provisions in this Afghanistan agreement seem far more comprehensive than advertised. It’s a TOTAL withdrawal of ALL American and NATO forces within 14 months. That would likely produce a gradual collapse of the state, civil war, and the Taliban back in Kabul. pic.twitter.com/VRHRk2dXsC
— Brett McGurk (@brett_mcgurk) February 29, 2020
Former Speaker Newt Gingrich said the move was a gamble. I do agree with his statement that after 18 years, a different approach seems necessary.
The peace agreement with the Taliban is a gamble but after 18 years of war without victory President Trump is right to try a different strategy. Let’s hope it can be implemented successfully. It will save American and Afghan lives.
— Newt Gingrich (@newtgingrich) February 29, 2020
President Trump has made no secret that he favors keeping our troops at home. He is not quick to jump to action, as was evidenced in Iran. He is not a total isolationist either. He will make moves as he sees the possibility of benefit. This is a big change from the type of leadership we have had over the past couple of decades in our country.
Trump had described a deal that the Taliban wanted late last year. The deal was met with much scrutiny from the left. I expect much more scrutiny over the weekend. Former advisor John Bolton was quick to scrutinize the deal on Saturday. He says that the deal is an Obama style deal, an obvious slam to his former boss President Trump. Bolton was a vocal advocate of action, rather than deals during his time in the White House. Trump has proven he was right on Iran, much to Bolton’s dismay so I don’t believe his opinion holds much weight here.
It is still to be seen if the Taliban honors their commitment. They are not the most honest and upstanding people. Yet, the move does signify that they are potentially unhappy with the continued unrest in the region. There is a lot of risk in this move, however. The last thing we need is to remove our troops and the area fall back under racial rule. We do not need another Syria. Time will tell if this is a great move or not.
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