6,000 To 9,000 U.S. Troops Will Remain In Afghanistan After 2014

U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta flies in a helicopter with U.S. Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen, commander of International Security Assistance Forces in Afghanistan, over Kabul, Afghanistan, Dec. 12, 2012. DOD photo by Erin Kirk-Cuomo

U.S. Force In Afghanistan May Be Smaller Than Expected After 2014 -- L.A. Times

WASHINGTON — The Obama administration plans on keeping 6,000 to 9,000 U.S. troops in Afghanistan after 2014, fewer than previously reported, and will confine most of them to fortified garrisons near the capital, leaving Afghan troops largely without American advisors in the field to fight a still-powerful insurgency, U.S. officials said.

Although it is not final, contours of the plan have become increasingly clear in the weeks since President Obama's reelection. Officials close to the discussions say the final U.S. presence will be substantially smaller than the 15,000 troops senior commanders have sought to keep after most of the 68,000 remaining American troops leave in the next two years.

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My Comment: According to reports from Afghanistan .... after 2014 U.S. forces will number from 6,000 - 9,000. There is no mention of how many CIA/intelligence/contractors/etc. will be present after this departure date.

Does this number make sense .... not really. It is not enough to confront the Taliban, nor is it enough to hold and maintain security at critical regions in the country. It is only enough to maintain a token presence, some security, conduct intelligence, and maybe provide air support.