Concerns Mount Over U.S. Counterterrorism Ability After Taliban Victory

A Chinook helicopter transports equipment around Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. US Army photo by Sgt. James Dansie.  

Reuters: After Taliban takeover, concerns mount over U.S. counterterrorism ability 

WASHINGTON, Aug 25 (Reuters) - With no U.S. troops or reliable partners left, jails emptied of militants and the Taliban in control, doubts are mounting within President Joe Biden's administration over Washington's ability to stem a resurgence of al Qaeda and other extremists in Afghanistan, six current and former U.S. officials told Reuters. 

Afghan security forces whom the United States helped train crumbled as Taliban militants made their way through Afghanistan in less than two weeks, leaving the United States with few partners on the ground. 

"We're not in a good place," said a U.S. defense official, who requested anonymity to discuss the issue. 

Weeks before the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States by al Qaeda, the lack of visibility regarding potential extremist threats is a chilling prospect for officials. 

U.S.-led forces toppled the Taliban in 2001 for sheltering al Qaeda militants, leading to America's longest war. 

The U.S. troop departure ordered for Aug. 31 by Biden and the subsequent collapse of Afghan security forces have stripped the CIA and other spy agencies of protection, forcing them to close bases and withdraw personnel as well. 

 Read more ....  

Update #1: Petraeus Questions U.S. Ability to Counter Terrorism After Afghanistan’s Fall (USNI News)  

Update #2: Hey Mr. President, What’s the Counterterrorism Strategy for Afghanistan? (Peter Brookes, Heritage)  

WNU Editor: The countries surrounding Afghanistan have made it very clear that a US military/intelligence presence is not wanted. In such an environment, good luck on conducting successful counter terrorism operations.

from War News Updates https://ift.tt/3jfRzQU