Thursday, December 5, 2013

Top U.S. General Voices His Concerns On The Delay In The Signing Of A U.S. - Afghan Security Agreement

Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, addresses reporters during a news conference with Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, (not pictured) at the Pentagon, Dec. 4, 2013. DOD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Daniel Hinton

Dempsey: No U.S. Troops In Afghanistan Possible, But No Withdrawal Plans Yet -- CNN

Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Martin Dempsey said Wednesday he clearly understands a complete withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan by the end of 2014 - known as the "zero option" - is a "possibility" given Afghan President Hamid Karzai's current unwillingness to sign the security pact that would govern some troops remaining in his country beyond that time frame.

But Dempsey also said he has not been told to plan for such a withdrawal.

The United States is pushing for the agreement to be signed by the end of 2013, although Dempsey said the Pentagon could still figure out a way to leave a residual U.S. force behind if an agreement is signed by early summer of 2014.

"Nothing is irreversible," Dempsey said, referring to troops that would have been withdrawn from Afghanistan by then.

Read more ....

Update: Delaying security deal a risk to Afghan forces: U.S. military chief -- Reuters

My Comment: General Dempsey appears to be concerned (but also not overly stressed) by the delay in the signing of a U.S. - Afghan security agreement.

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