Washington, D.C. — After the United States signed a peace deal with the Taliban to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan, Kelly Magsamen, vice president for National Security and International Policy at the Center for American Progress, issued the following statement:
All Americans should welcome this important step toward peace in Afghanistan. After more than 18 years of war, it is time to close this painful chapter for both Americans and Afghans. That said, there is still a very long road ahead to a lasting peace and how this deal is implemented by all sides will be key. The Taliban must uphold its commitments, and progress still needs to be made on inter-Afghan negotiations. The Trump administration must be forthcoming and transparent with Congress and the American people in the days ahead about what will be required to fully achieve and sustain peace. And most importantly, even as the administration prepares to end its military engagement, it must not abandon the Afghan people, including women and girls. The United States and the international community must now live up to their long-term assistance commitments to the Afghan people. We owe it to the thousands who have sacrificed their lives since 2001 and to future generations of Afghans.
For more information or to talk to an expert, please contact Sam Hananel at [email protected] or 202-478-6327.