Could The Ukraine Spillover Complicate The US Withdrawal From Afghanistan

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How Ukraine Spillover Could Complicate The US Withdrawal From Afghanistan -- Ankit Panda, The Diplomat

Putin has an ace up his sleeve: shutting down the Northern Distribution Network.

Sometimes timing in international politics can be really bad – at least this is what those dealing with the Afghan withdrawal plans at the Pentagon must be feeling at this point. After much uncertainty, the zero option for Afghanistan – a complete withdrawal by the end of the year – is being taken seriously. The White House and the Pentagon both see it as a viable endgame situation should the Bilateral Security Agreement remain in eternal limbo. Unfortunately, with recent developments in Ukraine, executing on the zero option might get significantly more expensive for the United States.

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My Comment: Closure of the northern route would not only complicate US withdrawal plans .... but it would make it more expensive.