Friday, October 18, 2013

NATO And The U.S. To Decide On How Many Troops Should Remain In Afghanistan After 2014

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Zachery K. Arrowood uses the optic lens on his weapon to scan the area while providing security during a patrol in Helmand province, Afghanistan, Oct. 12, 2013. Arrowood is assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Zachery B. Martin

NATO To Work On Firming Up Number For Boots Left In Afghanistan -- CNN

As Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel prepares to fly to Brussels on Monday for a meeting of NATO defense ministers, the question of how many U.S. troops might remain in Afghanistan after 2014 is still unanswered.

But indications are emerging that it may be a relatively small number of troops that stay behind.

Several military and Pentagon officials tell CNN that a central option now being considered calls for a total NATO force of between 8,000 to 12,000 troops, with 3,000 to 4,000 coming from NATO countries, and the United States making up the balance.

Read more ....

Update: NATO Troops In Afghanistan Expected To Drop Significantly After 2014 -- International Business Times

My Comment: A total NATO force of between 8,000 to 12,000 troops, with 3,000 to 4,000 coming from NATO countries, and the United States making up the balance .... will not be enough to make a difference in Afghanistan. Their role will be to train the Afghan military and .... in extreme cases .... conduct combat operations.

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