Slow progress in Afghanistan is unlikely to keep President Barack Obama from beginning to withdraw combat troops next year, according to Richard Holbrooke, the U.S. special representative to Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Holbrooke acknowledged that some of the civilian elements of the U.S. strategy to stabilize Afghanistan were not moving as quickly as expected, including efforts to reconcile with moderate Taliban fighters and reintegrate them into society.
Like other U.S. officials, Holbrooke credited Afghanis for voting in weekend elections amid Taliban threats and attacks aimed at disrupting the process.
-- Reuters
Holbrooke acknowledged that some of the civilian elements of the U.S. strategy to stabilize Afghanistan were not moving as quickly as expected, including efforts to reconcile with moderate Taliban fighters and reintegrate them into society.
Like other U.S. officials, Holbrooke credited Afghanis for voting in weekend elections amid Taliban threats and attacks aimed at disrupting the process.
-- Reuters