As the US-led NATO forces formally ended their combat operations in Afghanistan on Sunday, President Barack Obama hailed the pullout as one that marks a “responsible conclusion” to the longest war in American history, even while conceding that Afghanistan “remains a dangerous place”.
lauding the US forces for their accomplishments and sacrifices in the battle against terrorism that eliminated much of the core of Al Qaeda leadership including Osama bin laden and disrupted several terrorist plots, Obama said: “We are safer, and our nation is more secure, because of their service.”
At the same time, he conceded that Afghanistan “remains a dangerous place, and the Afghan people and their security forces continue to make tremendous sacrifices in defense of their country”.
Although the combat mission is over, the US, along with its allies and partners, will help Afghanistan preserve the gains by maintaining a limited military presence to train, advise and assist Afghan forces and to conduct counterterrorism operations against the remnants of al Qaeda.
“Our personnel will continue to face risks, but this reflects the enduring commitment of the United States to the Afghan people and to a united, secure and sovereign Afghanistan that is never again used as a source of attacks against our nation,” he said even as he paid tributes to the 2,200-odd American troops who lost their lives in the long war.
“These past 13 years have tested our nation and our military. But compared to the nearly 180,000 American troops in Iraq and Afghanistan when I took office, we now have fewer than 15,000 in those countries. Some 90 per cent of our troops are home,” said Obama in his statement from Hawaii, where he is currently vacationing with his family.
Republicans, notably Senator John McCain, have long been critical of Obama’s moves on Afghanistan. McCain, who visited Afghanistan during Christmas, has maintained that the US must have a stronger presence in Afghanistan in the interest of overall security and stability.
McCain, who is set to take over as chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee next month when the Republicans assume control of both Houses of Congress, has emphasized America’s long-term support for Afghanistan.