(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - At a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Berlin on Thursday, Clinton said "We need to underscore that we are transitioning, not leaving. For the transition to be sustainable and irreversible and for reconciliation and diplomacy to bear fruit, we must sustain our efforts."
The top US diplomat claimed the fight against militants in Afghanistan has made progress in the past 15 months. However, US Democrat lawmakers have rejected the upbeat government assessment of progress in Afghanistan, pointing out that 2010 has been the deadliest year for both Afghan people and US soldiers.
Clinton also warned of a “violent spring fighting season” in Afghanistan, saying that the withdrawal of troops will benefit the Taliban as there is the possibility of a rise in the militants' attacks.
The US has plans to set up permanent military bases in Afghanistan, claiming the bases are aimed at fighting the Taliban and al-Qaeda. However, the plan has spawned outrage and criticism from Afghan people and officials who insist that they will never succumb to the subjection of foreigners.
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