Pentagon draws up plan to boost US troops in Afghanistan

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http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/pentagon-draws-up-plan-to-boost-us-troops-in-afghanistan/news-story/d013cb566aefb416382ca94bdf27630b

Donald Trump will consider boosting US troops in Afghanistan to combat a resurgent Taliban in what would be a reversal of the drawdown of forces under Barack Obama.

The potentially pivotal moment in the US commitment to Afghanistan has come after the Pentagon drew up plans for at least 3000 extra US troops to bolster the 8400 in the war-torn country.

The President has yet to consider the proposal but, if he accepts the Pentagon’s recommendation, he will be increasing America’s commitment to the conflict that has claimed the lives of more than 2300 US soldiers since 2001.

The plan is aimed at forcing the Taliban — which has thrived since the US withdrew the bulk of its troops from the country — back to the negotiating table.

It follows the massacre in a northern army base last month in which Taliban fighters killed more than 140 Afghan soldiers.

The strategy drawn up by the Pentagon seeks to curb the rising frequency of Taliban attacks. It would authorise the Pentagon, rather than the White House, to set troop numbers in that country.

Mr Trump is expected to announce his decision on the Pentagon’s proposal by the NATO summit on May 25. The President would ask NATO countries to match any increase in US troop numbers in Afghanistan

The recommendation is being pushed by National Security Adviser HR McMaster, who was one of the forces behind the surge in Iraq under George W. Bush.

It would reverse the trend of steady US withdrawal from Afghanistan under Mr Obama, who was wary of the dwindling public support for the 15-year war and the mounting casualties.

The new strategy would allow for greater US air support of Afghan operations and allow US military advisers to accompany local forces near to conflict zones.