Trump Heads To Camp David For Afghanistan Talks
Faizan Hashmi Published August 18, 2017 | 08:20 PM
US President Donald Trump is assembling his national security team at the Camp David presidential retreat
WASHINGTON, , (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Aug, 2017 ) - US President Donald Trump is assembling his national security team at the Camp David presidential retreat Friday to forge a way ahead in Afghanistan, almost 16 years after the war began.
Trump must decide if he wants to continue on the current course, which relies on a relatively small US-led NATO force to help Afghan partners push back the Taliban, or if he wants to try a new tack such as adding more forces -- or even withdrawing altogether.
"Heading to Camp David for major meeting on National Security, the Border and the Military (which we are rapidly building to strongest ever)," Trump said on Twitter ahead of the talks. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis had initially promised to provide a new plan for Afghanistan by mid-July.
But Trump appears dissatisfied by initial proposals to add a few thousand more troops.
We are "coming very close to a decision, and I anticipate it in the very near future," Mattis told reporters Thursday.
Trump's generals have called the Afghan conflict a "stalemate," and even after years of intensive help from NATO, Afghanistan's security forces still are struggling to hold back an emboldened Taliban.
In an early move to address the situation, Trump gave Mattis broad powers to set troop numbers in Afghanistan and elsewhere. But several months later, the level remains stuck at about 8,400 US and about 5,000 NATO troops.
Meanwhile the situation is as deadly as ever, with more than 2,500 Afghan police and troops killed between January 1 and May 8, continuing a deadly trend from previous years.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 28 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 28 April 2024
Fresh wave of rainfall in AJK continues for the second consecutive day
Babar, bowlers help Pakistan level series 2-2 against New Zealand
Attack in restive Chilean province leaves three police officers dead
PM, Saudi Royal court advisor discuss ways to boost economic ties
England clinch third successive Women's Six Nations Grand Slam
DC Bahawalnagar leads fight for fair bread prices
Sheffield Utd relegated from Premier League
02 proclaimed offenders arrested by Wah Police
Pakistan level T20I series with nine-run victory over New Zealand
Minister meets Chinese Consul General, discusses bilateral cooperation, Chinese ..
More Stories From World
-
Man City see off Forest to close on Premier League leaders Arsenal
23 minutes ago -
Italian PM Meloni says will stand in EU elections
53 minutes ago -
Masood Khan hails Pakistani-American physicians role in upgrading Pakistan's healthcare system; also ..
1 hour ago -
Celtic down Dundee to stay on course for Scottish Premiership crown
1 hour ago -
Ireland will act to send asylum seekers back to UK: PM
1 hour ago -
Kainz keeps Cologne's hope alive with late equaliser at Mainz
1 hour ago
-
Tennis: ATP/WTA Madrid Open results - 1st update
2 hours ago -
Inter continue Serie A title party as Bologna slip in Champions League bid
2 hours ago -
Masood Khan hails Pakistani-American physicians role in upgrading Pakistan's healthcare system; also ..
2 hours ago -
Tesla CEO Musk meets China's number two official in Beijing
2 hours ago -
Arsenal survive Spurs fightback to boost title charge
2 hours ago -
Bangladesh recall Saifuddin for Zimbabwe T20s
2 hours ago