Washington, DC – Foreign Policy for America appreciates President Biden’s announcement of a timetable for an orderly withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan by September 11, 2021. After two decades of military presence, it is time to pursue a political and diplomatic path for America’s involvement in Afghanistan.
Over the past twenty years, American presence in Afghanistan has effectively countered significant national security threats in the region and helped the Afghan people achieve meaningful progress in strengthening democracy, rule of law, and the rights of women and girls. It is now time to consolidate those hard-won gains with effective diplomatic and political engagement as we withdraw the last of our forces in the country.
“Sustainable peace and security in Afghanistan cannot be dependent on the permanent presence of U.S. troops,” said Foreign Policy for America Executive Director Andrew Albertson. “Paired with robust diplomatic support and humanitarian investment, this decision represents a responsible way to realign U.S. engagement in the region.”
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