Little confidence in Trump's new approach to Afghanistan
His pledge of additional US troops does not fundamentally differ from predecessors, won't change course of conflict
New Delhi
FACED with a resurgent Taleban and the growing threat from Islamic State, Afghan watchers have little confidence that US President Donald Trump's new approach to the 16-year conflict in Afghanistan will do much to alter the dynamics of America's longest war.
Pledging more troops, increasing pressure on Pakistan to stop providing a "safe haven for terrorists" and renewing diplomatic outreach to the Taleban, Mr Trump late on Monday announced an open-ended commitment to fighting the war in Afghanistan. "We are not nation building again," he said. "We are killing terrorists."
Mr Trump's commitment to Afghanistan bolsters Kabul as it faces renewed violence and could eventually build capacity in the Afghan security forces - particularly the air force and special forces that are crucial to securing the country and overcoming terrorist groups. However, his pledge of additional US troops does not fundam…
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