Dear readers, of course Americans want our troops to return home safe and sound. At the same time, those same Americans also fully support and appreciate US troops protecting the nation and our
allies and partners from terrorism. Some of the comments suggest that the US secretly plans to indefinitely extend our troops presence in the Middle East and Southwest Asia. Are not these ideas wrong-minded? The truth of the matter is that you would be hard pressed to find any Americans who support an indefinite troop presence in Afghanistan, despite your claims that we harbor some secret desire to remain. To those of us involved in supporting their mission, these rumors and conspiracy theories simply do not make sense. The hard work of US and NATO trainers ensures the successful transition to full ANA control of security across Afghanistan by 2014. However, while the drawdown of our troops has begun it is important that we not leave until the ANA is fully capable. Dear readers, is this not a clear indication that the US supports Afghanistan in gaining full independence. As President Obama previously stated, we do not plan on keeping US troops in Afghanistan a day longer than is necessary. Our commitment is to leave Afghanistan with governance that ensures progress and prevents Taliban atrocities.
CDR Bill Speaks,
DET, United States Central Command
U.S. Central Command