Afghan President Claims Trump’s War Plan Has Better Chance of Success Than Obama’s, According to Reuters

By Jonathan Landay

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani stated on Wednesday that U.S. President Donald Trump’s strategy for addressing the conflict in Afghanistan will succeed where previous efforts fell short. He emphasized that the Afghan military is now more robust and that Trump is advocating for a regional approach coupled with a firmer stance towards Pakistan.

Ghani implied criticism of former U.S. President Barack Obama, saying that his predecessor “did not have a partner in Afghanistan,” referencing former Afghan President Hamid Karzai, who often expressed disdain for U.S. policies and the international military presence.

“President Trump operates not as an individual but as part of a team of partners in Afghanistan,” Ghani remarked while speaking to the Asia Society in New York during the U.N. General Assembly. He noted that the Trump administration’s strategy benefits from extensive consultations with Afghan leaders.

Despite this, Ghani acknowledged that Obama’s decision to keep some U.S. troops in Afghanistan “ensured our survival,” particularly in the face of rising Taliban insurgent activity.

U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis announced on Monday that over 3,000 additional U.S. troops will be deployed to Afghanistan as part of the new strategy, bringing the total to more than 14,000—far fewer than the peak of over 100,000 during Obama’s tenure.

While specific details were scarce, Trump committed to intensified operations against the Taliban and an indefinite deployment of U.S. military advisers, trainers, and counter-terrorism units. Additionally, he pledged a stricter approach toward Pakistan, which U.S. officials accuse of providing refuge and support to the Taliban and other extremist organizations, a charge Pakistan denies.

When discussing the differences between Trump’s strategy and Obama’s, Ghani highlighted the former’s “regional approach” to security and a tougher stance on Pakistan, while also opening new avenues for peace negotiations.

Ghani stressed, “The message to Pakistan to engage and become a responsible stakeholder in the region and in the fight against terrorism has never been clearer.” He extended an invitation to the Pakistani government for comprehensive dialogue, cautioning, “If Pakistan does not take this opportunity, I think they will pay a high price.”

He asserted, “Afghans are determined to fight,” emphasizing the nation’s resolve to defend itself.

According to Ghani, the Afghan army is not only better trained but also benefitting from a new generation of soldiers. The significant reductions in U.S.-led international forces during Obama’s administration compelled Afghan forces to take on a larger share of the fighting.

When confronted with the issue of the Taliban’s territorial gains, Ghani attributed this to the police’s inability to maintain control, noting that the next phase of restructuring Afghanistan’s security forces would focus on improving the police.

Regarding the duration of the ongoing war, Ghani suggested, “We are not talking a decade or longer. We are talking some limited years.”