Trump's Asia-led strategy is not driving 'US endgame' in Afghanistan

SEPT 1 could see the intensification of the post-9/11 US "endgame" in Afghanistan, the nation's longest-ever running involvement military conflict. While the Trump team asserts a potential upcoming "peace deal" with the Taliban is a vindication of its "Asian-centred strategy", it reflects more of the desire of the White House to draw down US troops prior to next year's election.

It was two years ago, in August 2017, that then-Secretary of State Rex Tillerson announced the Trump team's "new" Asian approach to Afghanistan aimed at "getting the Taliban to the negotiating table".

Mr Tillerson made clear that Pakistan was central to what he asserted was a holistic regional strategy, with India playing an upgraded role too,…