Unveiling his updated Afghanistan policy in a rare, prime-time address to the nation, US President Donald Trump today declared that he will stop resurgence of terrorist safe havens in Afghanistan and added,"In the end we will win."
Trump said that any new strategy in Afghanistan won't be based on timeline, but conditions; won't discuss troop numbers. US President Donald Trump vowed to keep American troops fighting in Afghanistan despite his earlier inclination to withdraw. But he insisted the US would not offer "a blank check" after 16 years of war.
He also indicated that Washington could stop supporting the Afghan government if it does not show “determination” in its efforts.
"America will work with the Afghan government as long as we see determination and progress," Trump said. "However, our commitment is not unlimited, and our support is not a blank check. The American people expect to see real reforms and real results."
Victory in Afghanistan would mean "attacking our enemies," and "obliterating" the ISIS Takfiri group. He also vowed to crush al-Qaeda, prevent the Taliban from taking over the country.
The US President also called for an urgent need for Pakistan to demonstrate its commitment to fight terror.
"Pakistani people have suffered from terror, but at same time Pakistan has been safe haven for terrorists. We can no longer be silent about Pakistan's safe havens to terrorist organisations."
Urging India's belligerent neighbour to oust militants and 'agents of chaos', the US President added, "Pakistan has much to gain from partnering in our effort in Afghanistan, it has much to lose in continuing to harbour terrorists and criminals."
He added that Pakistan often gives sanctuary to "agents of chaos, violence and terror," and that the Taliban and other groups there pose a threat to the region and beyond.
For years, Washington has criticized Pakistan's tolerance of Taliban militants who launch attacks in Afghanistan.
Speaking about developing deeper ties with India, the US President Donald Trump said, "We will develop a deeper strategic partnership with India, but we want them to help us more in Afghanistan."
"India makes billions of dollars with the United States in trade, want them to help us more in Afghanistan," he further added.
The United States and its allies invaded Afghanistan on October 7, 2001 as part of Washington’s so-called war on terror.
Trump who had previously called for withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan argued that his "original instinct was to pull out," but that he was convinced by his national security team to take on the Taliban militants.
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source : AP / Reuters / PressTV
Tuesday
22 August 2017
4:20:45 AM
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(AhlulBayt News Agency) - The US President called for an urgent need for Pakistan to demonstrate its commitment to fight terror and said that Taliban there poses a threat to the region and beyond.