US hints at prolonged Afghan occupation

A top US general in Afghanistan has dismissed speculations that the alleged death of Osama bin Laden may result in an expedited drawdown of US forces in the country.
Deputy Commander of US Forces in Afghanistan Lieutenant General David Rodriguez told a press conference in Washington on Thursday that the Taliban could regain a foothold if Washington hastens the withdrawal of US forces in Afghanistan in the aftermath of the death of al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden, AFP reported.
“Our objectives remain the same: to deny al-Qaeda sanctuary and prevent the Taliban from retaking Afghanistan,” the number two US general insisted.
“And by the way, the death of Osama bin Laden has not changed that mission, and we have not seen any effects of his death on the ground to date in Afghanistan,” Rodriguez added.
As the administration of US President Barack Obama awaits the Pentagon’s recommendation on US troop cuts in Afghanistan, the US commander also expressed deep concerns that the drawdown is not consistent and compatible with the growth of Afghan security forces.
US Congress has put pressure on Obama to speed up the American military withdrawal from Afghanistan in the wake of the alleged killing of bin Laden by the US Navy SEAL forces on May 2 in his hideout in Pakistan.
Obama had pledged a major drawdown by July 2011. However, senior US and NATO officials have signaled that foreign troops will remain in the country beyond 2014.
Civilians have been the main victims of violence in Afghanistan, particularly in the country’s troubled southern and eastern provinces, where they are killed by both militants and foreign fire.
Despite the presence of about 150,000 foreign troops, violence in Afghanistan last year reached its deadliest phase with record casualties on all sides, including civilian deaths.

Source: Press TV