Why 2011 is too early for drawdown in Afghanistan
In order to make real gains in Taliban-held areas in the Afghan east and north, more troops will be needed. Yet the US and ISAF continue to send mixed messages about drawing down their forces, which makes our allies uneasy, and gives our enemies hope.
If you listen to the US generals, the drawdown in 2011 will be minimal. But if you listen to Vice President Joe Biden, “We are starting it in July 2011 and we are going to be totally out of there, come hell or high water, by 2014.”
Other ISAF countries are heading for the exits. The Dutch withdrew their 2,000 troops last August. Canada will withdraw its 3,000-plus combat troops from Kandahar in mid-2011 and replace them with 950 trainers and support personnel in Kabul. Germany will begin drawing down its 4,600 troops in 2012, and plans on leaving by 2014. The Brits are talking about starting their drawdown by Christmas 2011.