Pentagon: We to review work of our forces around world

Today, Friday, the United States renewed talk about the status of its forces around the world, especially after the previous administration's decisions to reduce the number of American soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan, despite the return of security risks and attacks in these two countries.

"We have to make sure we have the right capabilities in the right places," Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said.

Biden announced, on Thursday, that he would "stop" the partial withdrawal of US forces from Germany in light of a comprehensive review of the status of the forces deployed abroad, which he entrusted to the Minister of Defense.

It is noteworthy that former President Trump announced in June 2020 his desire to gradually reduce the number of US forces in Germany to 25 thousand, and reduce the number of US forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The new US Secretary of Defense, in his first foreign contact after his official appointment two weeks ago, discussed with the Secretary-General of NATO, Jens Stoltenberg, issues related to Iraq and Afghanistan, and the ministry explained at the time that the officials discussed the importance of the status quo, especially the issue of maintaining a strong defense and containment position. For NATO, and continuing missions in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Earlier, NATO announced that the withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan was not applicable until early May, according to the agreement between the Taliban and the Trump administration in February of last year.

In addition, the Biden administration announced last month that it would review the agreement with the Taliban, and whether the movement was committed to reducing violence in line with its commitments under the peace agreement concluded last year.

During a phone call, the US National Security Adviser, Jake Sullivan, with his Afghan counterpart, Hamdallah Majestic, explained at the time the US intention to review the said agreement.

On January 15, the Trump administration reduced the number of the US military in Afghanistan to 2,500, the lowest level since 2001.

As for Iraq, Trump has also reduced the number of US forces, in line with the previous president’s plan. However, the Biden administration, which since the first day, overturned many of the previous decisions, seems to be reconsidering those external priorities, especially with the recent renewed attacks in Iraq.

(A)

ANHA