So the outlook is much worse than it was in June, when the US military was still assuming a period of at least six months. That’s because Taliban fighters are gaining ground from Afghan government forces faster than expected, now that the US military has left there. The Taliban captured at least eight provincial capitals within a week.
Despite the bad news, US President Joe Biden confirmed yesterday, that the decision to withdraw US troops from Afghanistan is not under discussion.
Air raids
Withdrawal has already begun and will become official on August 31. Then the limited US airstrikes currently in use against the Taliban would also cease, and Afghan government forces would be left largely to their own devices.
We provide air support, ensure that their air forces are operational and deployable, we provide food and equipment to their forces, and we pay all of their salaries. But they have to fight. We will continue to maintain the agreements, and I do not regret my decision.”
