Trump changes tack on Afghanistan war

DONALD Trump has opened the door to an increase in the number of US troops in Afghanistan, an about face in his attitude to America’s longest military conflict.

In a televised address at a military base near Washington, the US President said his new approach to bolster the US-backed government in Kabul was aimed at preventing Afghanistan from becoming a safe haven for jihadists.

He said he had expanded the military’s authority to go after militant and criminal networks.

He said America’s enemies in Afghanistan needed to know “they have nowhere to hide — that no place is beyond the reach of American arms”.

“Our troops will fight to win,” he said, offering no timetable for how long US forces would need to remain.

The speech, devoid of specifics, came after a months-long review in which he frequently debated the future of US involvement in Afghanistan, where Taliban insurgents have been making territorial gains.

Mr Trump has apparently overcome his doubts about the war, which began in October 2001, just after the 9/11 attacks on the US.

He said repeatedly on the campaign trail last year that the war was costing the US too much in lives and money.

“My original instinct was to pull out,” he said in his speech yesterday.

But he said he had been persuaded by his national security advisers to strengthen America’s ability to prevent the Taliban from driving out the Afghan government.

Mr Trump did not say how many US troops would be sent, but there are plans on the table to send an extra 4000 to add to the 8400 already there.

He also laid out a tougher approach towards Pakistan, and senior US officials warned he could reduce security assistance for Pakistan unless it helped prevent militants from using safe havens on its soil.

“We can no longer be silent about Pakistan’s safe havens,” Mr Trump said.

“Pakistan has much to gain from partnering with our effort in Afghanistan. It has much to lose by continuing to harbour terrorists.”

Mr Trump also said the US wanted India to help more with Afghanistan.