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Washington, D.C.—Tonight, President Barack Obama is expected to announce his decision on the level of U.S. troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, as part of its handover to Afghan leadership. CAP experts have called for a significant drawdown in American troops—no fewer than 15,000 forces—beginning this summer, to be followed by a medium-term goal of 60,000 over the next 18 months, subsequently reducing the total to 40,000 remaining in the country by 2012. This plan to decrease U.S. troop presence in Afghanistan would reflect American national security priorities and signal that Afghan leadership must prepare to take on greater responsibility for their security, as well as political and economic affairs.
However, troop numbers are not a substitute for a broader strategy and CAP recommends a clearer plan that defines U.S. objectives in Afghanistan, provides more detail on the political and military transition process from 2011 to 2014, and more clearly sets terms for our future relations with the Afghan government. These are all critical steps integral to ensuring that the investments made by the United States, Afghanistan, and the international community are secure and that the transition to Afghan lead is not delayed beyond 2014.
Please join CAP’s Caroline Wadhams, Senior Fellow; Lawrence Korb, Senior Fellow and Former Assistant Secretary of Defense; and Brian Katulis, Senior Fellow, to discuss the president’s announcement within the larger context of United States’s role in ensuring a smooth transition that preserves security gains and promotes stability in the region.
What:
Press call to discuss President Obama’s speech on U.S. troop withdrawal in Afghanistan and the need to clarify the transition process
Who:
Caroline Wadhams, Senior Fellow
Lawrence Korb, Senior Fellow and Former Assistant Secretary of Defense
Brian Katulis, Senior Fellow
When:
Wednesday, June 22, 2011, 8:30 p.m. EST
Call info: 877.210.8943
Conference ID: 77957252
RSVP:
Please contact Christina DiPasquale at [email protected] or 202.481.8181.
Related reports:
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**Please note that this call will be recorded. By participating in the call, you consent to be recorded.**
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