President Obama Announces That Thousands Of U.S. Troops Will Remain In Afghanistan Beyond 2016

New York Times: Obama Announces Halt of U.S. Troop Withdrawal in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON — The United States will halt its military withdrawal from Afghanistan and instead keep thousands of troops in the country through the end of his term in 2017, President Obama announced on Thursday, prolonging the American role in a war that has now stretched on for 14 years.

In a brief statement from the Roosevelt Room in the White House, Mr. Obama said he did not support the idea of “endless war” but was convinced that a prolonged American presence in Afghanistan was vital to that country’s future and to the national security of the United States.

WNU Editor: I was expecting President Obama to make this announcement at the end of this year. The fact that he is doing it now tells me that they (i.e. the White House) must have information that any delay would actually make the situation and uncertainty in Afghanistan worse. as to President Obama's announcement itself .... this is not only a major policy reversal .... but it also an admission of failure. But here is the rub .... I doubt that keeping 5,500 U.S. troops in Afghanistan will make a difference, and if the Taliban launch a major offensive next year, do not be surprised if we start hearing reports that the U>S. will actually increase these numbers.

More News On President Obama Slowing Down The U.S. Military Withdrawal From Afghanistan

'The mission will not change': Obama to keep troops in Afghanistan – live updates -- The Guardian
Transcript: Obama’s Remarks on Afghanistan Troop Withdrawal Shift -- WSJ
In policy reversal, Obama slows pace of U.S. troop withdrawal in Afghanistan -- Reuters
Afghan troops not as strong as needed, U.S. forces to stay: Obama -- Reuters
In Major Afghanistan Shift, Obama Drops Plan to Withdraw Most U.S. Forces -- WSJ
Obama reversing course on Afghanistan troop withdrawal -- The Hill
Obama: U.S. troops will stick to "narrow but critical" mission in Afghanistan -- CBS
Obama Announces Thousands of Troops Will Remain In Afghanistan Beyond 2016 -- ABC News
Obama to keep 5,500 US troops in Afghanistan beyond 2016 -- FOX News
Obama: 5,500 troops to stay in Afghanistan -- USA Today
Obama to keep troops in Afghanistan beyond 2016, senior officials say -- Washington Times
US troops to stay in Afghanistan in policy shift -- BBC
Barack Obama delays withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan -- The Guardian
Obama defends plan to keep troops in Afghanistan -- Politico
Obama's Goal of Ending Two Wars Now Slipping Beyond His Grasp -- Bloomberg
Obama to keep 5,500 US troops in Afghanistan when he leaves office – officials -- RT
Obama to extend US military role in Afghanistan -- Al Jazeera
McCain: Obama should have halted Afghan withdrawal -- The Hill
Russia skeptical U.S. troop plan will help Afghanistan: RIA -- Reuters
This map explains why Obama decided to leave thousands of troops in Afghanistan -- Washington Post
The impossibility of withdrawing from Afghanistan, visualized -- Washington Post
Why US Troops Are Staying Longer in Afghanistan -- ABC News