Obama To Gradually Withdraw American Troops In Afghanistan

U.S. President Barack Obama delivers remarks before signing the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act into law at the White House in Washington February 12, 2015. Reuters/Jonathan Ernst

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani was granted request on Tuesday from United States of American President Barrack Obama in slowing down the process of withdrawing the American troops in the latter’s war-wrecked nation, citing security threats from ISIS among his reasons.

Earlier, Mr. Obama announced only 5,500 soldiers will remain in Afghan for non-combat purposes, although at the news conference today, the president revealed the American forces have full responsibility for the security of the country, referring to Afghanistan. After inclining to Mr. Ghani’s request, around 9,800 soldiers will remain.

“This flexibility reflects our reinvigorated partnership with Afghanistan, which is aimed at making Afghanistan secure and preventing it from being used to launch terrorist attacks," Obama said during the news conference.

Albeit there is a change in the figure, the American leader is confident his administration will abide by the original timeline of ending the war in 2016. The presence of American soldiers in Afghanistan is essential in protecting the U.S. embassy.

"The specific trajectory of the 2016 draw down will be established later this year to enable our final consolidation to a Kabul-based embassy presence by the end of 2016," Obama continued.

In Mr Ghani’s turn, he thanked America for a significant role in transitioning his country. "You stood shoulder to shoulder with us, and I'd like to say thank you. I would also like to thank the American taxpayer for his and her hard-earned dollars that has enabled us."

Ghani previously served as an official of World Bank. But today marked the first day of his five-day trip to the U.S. as a nation leader. Analysts see Ghani’s leadership as a second chance at renewing friendly relations with the United States. The United States-Afghanistan relationship turned sour during the Hamid Karzai administration. Mr Karzai, Ghani’s predecessor, was critical of Obama and his policies.

One positive act of Ghani after being sworn to office was to sign the security agreement with the United States, enabling American troops to legally stay in Afghan territory. Obama will decide before the end of the year on the number of troops that shall remain in Afghanistan in 2016.