american-withdrawal-troops-from-afghanistan

The size of the American force in the country had dropped by 2,000 over the last year, down to roughly 12,000. Background of the issue

    • The U.S. is already reducing the size of its troop force in Afghanistan despite the lack of a peace deal with the Taliban. 
    • The US President Donald Trump has expressed reluctance to remain engaged in costly wars abroad.
  • It is in line with the demand of the general public in the United States of America.

What will be the future move of the US amid Afghanistan Peace talks?

  • The US has stated that eventual force size could drop to as low as 8,600 roughly the size of an initial reduction envisioned in a draft agreement with the Taliban.
  • The cancellation of talks between the US and the Taliban will further speed up the troop withdrawal.

What is the implication of troop withdrawal on the peace talks?

    • The withdrawal of the American troops from Afghanistan was always the bargaining chip in the peace talks.
    • The move was envisaged hoping to get some concessions from the insurgent group, which has long demanded a complete troop withdrawal.
  • Hence, the current move of troop withdrawal can act as a leverage to conclude peace talks.

Also read: US-Afghan talks Taliban Peace Talks: Improved The Conditions For Peace