Ending a 13 years long war, the United States and NATO formally ended their war with Afghanistan today with a celebration at a military headquarters in Kabul. The ceremony was primarily symbolic, however, since the United States will maintain a presence in the country, switching from a U.S.-led coalition force to a supporting role, starting Jan. 1. The continued presence comes after Afghani President Ashraf Ghani signed bilateral security agreements with Washington and NATO last fall. The details of the agreements have not been released. Not surprisingly, the agreements have led to an increase in Taliban-caused violence who want the U.S. to leave, and use their continued presence as an excuse to further destabilize the Afghani government. As Afghan forces assume sovereignty, the country is without a Cabinet three months after Ghanis inauguration, and economic growth is near zero due to the reduction of the international military and aid juggernauts. The United States spent more than $100 million on reconstruction in Afghanistan, on top of the $1 trillion war. QUESTION: It seems that neither the U.S. nor Afghanistan have gained anything over the course of their prolonged relationship; yet, like a partner in an abusive relationship, each side finds a reason to stick around. What do you think is the reason behind the U.S.s decision to stay in Afghanistan? Do you agree with it? Also, do you think its likely Afghanistan will experience a significant enough terrorist attack in the next few months that the U.S. will change its role in Afghanistan?
Posted on: Sun, 28 Dec 2014 22:42:17 +0000
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