Top generals contradict Biden, say they urged him not to withdraw from Afghanistan

[Red Mountain]

17. I don't think that directly contradicts Biden

The reason we could get away with much lower troop levels was the agreement Trump made for us to leave. Breaking that agreement would have meant a return to much higher troop levels. How high would depend on how poorly the Taliban took our backing out of the agreement.


8500? (2019)

14000? (2018)

More?

https://www.brookings.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/FP_20200825_afganistan_index.pdf


The General suggested keeping some troops in Afghanistan......but not enough to conduct widespread operations. It was, I think, arguably bad advice.

Keeping too few troops in country was never a good option. It was a false choice.

Biden's real choices were escalate in the hope of forcing the Taliban to concede in negotiations (unlikely to stick when they don't feel coerced) or get out. No third way available whether it's 2500, 250 or 10 troops.