Trump Administration Confirms Withdrawals from Iraq, Afghanistan Days Before Inauguration – By Paul D. Shinkman (US News) / January 15 2021
Despite concerns the draw-downs will complicate the incoming Biden administration’s options, Trump’s new Pentagon chief said they are close to ending the wars.
ACTING DEFENSE Secretary Christopher Miller announced Friday the U.S. had withdrawn forces in Iraq and Afghanistan down to 2,500 in each conflict zone, following through on an unusual major policy shift announced during a lame duck period and indicating that the circumstances on the ground will likely create problems for the incoming Biden administration.
“Today, the United States is closer than ever to ending nearly two decades of war and welcoming in an Afghan-owned, Afghan-led peace process to achieve a political settlement and a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire,” said Miller, who was appointed to his position days after President Donald Trump lost the November election and fired his Senate-confirmed Pentagon chief, Mark Esper, reportedly over disagreements about the withdrawal. Miller, increasingly seen as a loyalist to the president, was among the first Army Special Forces deployed to Afghanistan following the Sept. 11 attacks.
Miller said that halving the number of forces in Afghanistan, which he announced Nov. 17 would become complete the week before President-elect Joe Biden‘s inauguration, serves as an “indication of the United States’ continued support toward the Afghan peace process and our adherence to commitments made” to agreements with the warring parties.
