Over and out in Afghanistan?
We learn this Sunday that the psalmist rests securely only in God, “my rock and my salvation, my stronghold.” In the aftermath of a decade of war and foreign military presence, many in the Afghan government as well as the Afghan public believe continued . . .
We learn this Sunday that the psalmist rests securely only in God, “my rock and my salvation, my stronghold.” In the aftermath of a decade of war and foreign military presence, many in the Afghan government as well as the Afghan public believe continued U.S. troop presence is essential to keep the country from descending into chaos and civil war.
Even so, Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai has refused to sign an agreement that would keep several thousand American troops in the country after combat operations conclude this year. As a result the Obama administration Tuesday alerted Afghanistan it has started planning for the withdrawal of all U.S. troops by the end of the year if the security agreement is not finalized.
Statements by the White House and U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel showed President Barack Obama's impatience with Karzai's refusal to sign. In a phone call with Karzai on Tuesday to discuss upcoming elections for a new Afghan leader, Obama made clear that time was running out to properly plan for keeping any U.S. forces in the country beyond 2014, the White House said.
"President Obama has asked the Pentagon to ensure that it has adequate plans in place to accomplish an orderly withdrawal by the end of the year should the United States not keep any troops in Afghanistan after 2014," said the White House statement.
The statement noted that a deal remained possible with a new Afghan leader even if Karzai fails to sign the Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA) before the April election chooses his successor. “We will leave open the possibility of concluding a BSA with Afghanistan later this year."
Meanwhile a senior Pakistani official warned that pulling out U.S. troops could have dire consequences, leading to a civil war in Afghanistan. Speaking on condition of not being identified, the official predicted that 30 percent of Afghan forces would desert if U.S. forces leave the country.
Homily hint: Many Americans have been troubled from the beginning by the U.S. presence in Afghanistan. Long after the troops are gone, the rebuilding and healing must continue. Consider helping via an organization with a special program for the nation, such as Oxfam.org.
Even so, Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai has refused to sign an agreement that would keep several thousand American troops in the country after combat operations conclude this year. As a result the Obama administration Tuesday alerted Afghanistan it has started planning for the withdrawal of all U.S. troops by the end of the year if the security agreement is not finalized.
Statements by the White House and U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel showed President Barack Obama's impatience with Karzai's refusal to sign. In a phone call with Karzai on Tuesday to discuss upcoming elections for a new Afghan leader, Obama made clear that time was running out to properly plan for keeping any U.S. forces in the country beyond 2014, the White House said.
"President Obama has asked the Pentagon to ensure that it has adequate plans in place to accomplish an orderly withdrawal by the end of the year should the United States not keep any troops in Afghanistan after 2014," said the White House statement.
The statement noted that a deal remained possible with a new Afghan leader even if Karzai fails to sign the Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA) before the April election chooses his successor. “We will leave open the possibility of concluding a BSA with Afghanistan later this year."
Meanwhile a senior Pakistani official warned that pulling out U.S. troops could have dire consequences, leading to a civil war in Afghanistan. Speaking on condition of not being identified, the official predicted that 30 percent of Afghan forces would desert if U.S. forces leave the country.
Homily hint: Many Americans have been troubled from the beginning by the U.S. presence in Afghanistan. Long after the troops are gone, the rebuilding and healing must continue. Consider helping via an organization with a special program for the nation, such as Oxfam.org.
Source: An article by Barbara Starr and Tom Cohen for CNN