Previously, the US was looking at keeping around 10,000 troops in Afghanistan post 2014. PHOTO: AFP/FILE
"A range of 8-12,000 troops was discussed as the possible size of the overall Nato mission, not the US contribution," Little said after a Nato defence ministers' meeting in Brussels, pointing towards the possibility that a smaller contingent of US forces than previously believed would stay on in Afghanistan.
"The president is still reviewing options and has not made a decision about the size of a possible US presence after 2014, and we will continue to discuss with allies and the Afghans how we can best carry out two basic missions: targeting the remnants of al Qaeda and its affiliates, and training and equipping Afghan forces," he said.
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1-@Truth: Keep up daydreaming and stargazing free of cost and suppose I accept your this untrue stance valid then why US' and NATO's officials are negotiating and insisting on for peace and peace talks with Taliban and if they have courage and bravery then why don't they continue battle against Taliban in Afghanistan???? 2-@Indian: Indians and Americans never forget it that you are very very very far from the Pakistan's,Iran's and China's hidden activities.....
Good move by U.S, so to keep check both Pakistan and China hidden activities in afghanistan to scuttle peace process
Pakistan's nightmare .. 12000 soldiers to keep terrorists away.
"BRUSSELS: NATO allies discussed keeping a NATO force of between 8,000 and 12,000 troops in Afghanistan after 2014, but US President Barack Obama has not decided how many American troops will remain there, Pentagon spokesperson George Little said on Friday." So that US' and NATO's officials could easily and the most effectively observe,monitor and keep an eagle eye on the Pakistan's,Iran's and China's activities most especially importantly these countries' nuclear programs and activities and Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline projects because these countries' nuclear programs,activities and Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline projects have always been serious concerns and matters for USA.So this is why thus by having 8000 to 12000 troops in Afghanistan after 2014 the US' and NATO's officials may monitor and observe Pakistan,China and Iran...
@khan
NATO will keep 12000 forces to maintain peace in the region. This time around they won't let Afghanistan go to Pakistan and create another Taliban. As a pakistani you should introspect some house cleaning.
If you divide them over the many cities and barracks and border posts and soldiers who service other soldiers, these numbers are not much..
India deploys more soldiers during election times to help the Election Commission ensure a smooth election. And, this is war situation, with the adversary having safe havens across the border.
This deployment is for show. Afghanistan will be given weapons and money and advice in plenty, but not soldiers. They are on their own.
It might not be a cake walk for the Taliban, but guerrilla tactics win over a unprofessional army easily. Taliban will come back.
When that happens Taliban in Pakistan will get the greatest boost of all time. Their ideological twins have defeated a Super Power! The elements in Pakistan which were targeting NATO will be jobless again. They will turn to... to Pakistan.
This means NATO wants to drag the war and doesn't really like peace and security to prevail in the region.
Yes its very much required. Else that area of Afghanistan/ Iran / Pak will go to the dogs. Plenty of tribles abound there each claiming their own superiority.