Pentagon mulls pulling out troops from Africa to boost Trump's plan to end 'endless wars' abroad: Report
President Donald Trump has vowed to end America’s “endless wars” abroad and this is one issue where his most fierce critics agree with him. The US has bled far too long fighting others’ battles -- believe voices across the political spectrum. However, when applied on the ground, the same theory invites backlash as there are also people who feel the US is only endangering its own interests by pulling out troops from foreign battlegrounds. Trump’s decision to pull out troops from northern Syria in October led to a wide protest, even in his Republican Party, as experts felt it ceded advantage to countries like Turkey and Russia.
But despite the protests, it seems the Trump establishment is not giving up the ploy. According to a report that came out in The New York Times on Tuesday, December 24, the Pentagon is looking to reduce or even withdraw American troops from West Africa as part of the military redeployment strategy. It said Defense Secretary Mark Esper is taking a look at the proposals though a decision will be finalized only in January. This is the first time that the military establishment is taking such a measure to facilitate the president's anti-war plan.
US now concerned more with dealing with China, Russia
Between 6,000 and 7,000 American troops are stationed in the African continent -- mainly in West Africa and also in countries like Somalia. The American presence in Africa also includes military trainers and a drone base worth $110 million in Niger, set up recently, the report added. A US pull-out would also put an end to its support for the French military efforts in countries like Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger in their fight along with local troops against extremist groups like Al Qaeda and Islamic State. The Pentagon extends aid to them by means of intelligence, logistical support, etc.
The Times added that the US defense establishment is now putting more emphasis on dealing with countries like China and Russia instead of anti-terror operations. A debate also rages on in the US over withdrawing troops from Afghanistan, where Washington’s military strategy has remained stuck for over 18 years now though several security concerns need to be assessed for the US to withdraw its remaining 13,000 troops from the volatile country.