Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

left-of-center2012

(34,195 posts)
Mon Nov 16, 2020, 07:21 PM Nov 2020

McConnell warns Trump against troop drawdown in Afghanistan

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) fired a warning shot Monday against withdrawing more U.S. troops from Afghanistan, even as the Pentagon is preparing an order to do so. McConnell, speaking from the Senate floor, warned that only a "small minority" in Congress would support a rapid drawdown and warned that a rapid withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan "would hurt our allies and delight, delight, the people who wish us harm."

"The consequences of a premature American exit would likely be even worse than President Obama's withdrawal from Iraq back in 2011. ... It would be reminiscent of the humiliating American departure from Saigon in 1975. We'd be abandoning our partners in Afghanistan," McConnell said from the Senate floor.

McConnell didn't directly criticize Trump in his speech. But his remarks come amid multiple reports that Pentagon officials anticipate Trump will as soon as this week order military officials to cut the number of troops in Afghanistan from 4,500 to 2,500 and the number of forces in Iraq from 3,000 to 2,500 by Jan 15.

An order to pull back troops comes after a leadership purge in the Pentagon and warnings from top defense officials that removing more troops prematurely could ultimately worsen the chances for peace in the country.

https://thehill.com/policy/defense/526194-mcconnell-warns-trump-against-troop-drawdown-in-afghanistan

10 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
McConnell warns Trump against troop drawdown in Afghanistan (Original Post) left-of-center2012 Nov 2020 OP
What is Trump's motivation in Afghanistan re: troop withdrawal? How does he benefit? Nt Fiendish Thingy Nov 2020 #1
Putin benefits WA-03 Democrat Nov 2020 #4
Trump will see this as a challenge The empressof all Nov 2020 #2
Putin rso Nov 2020 #3
Oh dear, now Moscow Mitch and donnie bonespurs are at odds. grumpyduck Nov 2020 #5
"would hurt our allies and delight, delight, the people who wish us harm" My Pet Orangutan Nov 2020 #6
I think Mitch needs to think on his own words he told Obama Docreed2003 Nov 2020 #7
Where was Mitch when Trump threw the Kurds under the bus? EarnestPutz Nov 2020 #8
He's your boy McTurdhole Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin Nov 2020 #9
One of the few things I actually agree with Trump on Jspur Nov 2020 #10

The empressof all

(29,098 posts)
2. Trump will see this as a challenge
Mon Nov 16, 2020, 07:27 PM
Nov 2020

He's bound and determined to leave as much chaos as possible and even if he doesn't really understand what the results of his actions could be he's happy to just be pissing people off.

Docreed2003

(16,817 posts)
7. I think Mitch needs to think on his own words he told Obama
Mon Nov 16, 2020, 07:46 PM
Nov 2020

"You must be under the misconception that I care". Trump doesn't give a shit

Jspur

(578 posts)
10. One of the few things I actually agree with Trump on
Mon Nov 16, 2020, 08:50 PM
Nov 2020

which is withdrawing the troops from Afghanistan. This is a stupid war that is not ever going to be winnable. US would be better off getting out of that region and saving a ton of money. I see no point of being there anymore. This is just a stupid pride thing for our government.

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»McConnell warns Trump aga...