Obama Pushes Back Afghanistan Troop Withdrawal, Official Says
- New timetable keeps 5,500 U.S. troops in country in 2017
- Afghan forces not ready to carry anti-Taliban fight alone
President Barack Obama speaks at the White House on Oct. 14, 2015.
Photographer: Andrew Harrer-Pool/Getty ImagesThis article is for subscribers only.
The U.S. will keep about 5,500 troops in Afghanistan into 2017, slowing the administration’s withdrawal timetable and ensuring that America’s longest war will endure beyond President Barack Obama’s term in office.
The White House will announce Thursday that the current 9,800 troops in the country will remain through most of 2016, and that the number would be reduced by the following year, according to an administration official who spoke to reporters on condition of anonymity.