Dec 20 2018

Graham on Reports of Future Troop Reductions in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement on news President Trump may order a withdrawal of 3,000 American troops from Afghanistan.

“I have just returned from Afghanistan and can say – without hesitation – ISIS-K remains a direct threat to our homeland and they would dramatically benefit from a reduced American troop presence. 

“Our Afghan partners are incapable of subduing the threat posed by ISIS-K alone. In addition, our intelligence capability and military might cannot be replaced by any other regional ally when it comes to subduing ISIS-K in Afghanistan or Pakistan.

“Like in Syria, troop withdrawal should be based on conditions on the ground. 

“The conditions in Afghanistan – at the present moment – make American troop withdrawals a high risk strategy.  If we continue on our present course we are setting in motion the loss of all our gains and paving the way toward a second 9/11.”

###### 

BACKGROUND:

https://www.wsj.com/articles/trump-administration-is-considering-substantial-afghan-troop-drawdown-11545341452?mod=hp_lead_pos1

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-plans-significant-drawdown-of-us-troops-in-afghanistan-senior-official-says