NATO secretary general approves of Obama's about-face on Afghanistan troops

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed President Obama’s recent announcement calling for a slow down of U.S. Army troop withdrawal from Afghanistan.

“I welcome President Obama’s announcement that the United States will maintain its current troop levels in Afghanistan through 2016 and will retain a substantial presence beyond 2016,” Stoltenberg, the former prime minister of Norway, said. “This important decision paves the way for a sustained presence by NATO Allies and partners in Afghanistan. It demonstrates the continued commitment by NATO Allies and our partners toward Afghanistan. In the coming weeks, the Alliance will take key decisions about the future scope of the Resolute Support Mission. The significant U.S. contribution will be an important factor as we consider the way ahead.”

President Obama reversed his early policy stance last week and said he has decided to keep the 5,500 U.S. Army troop in Afghanistan until at least 2017.

“The Afghan security forces continue to carry out their security responsibilities across the country, in a very challenging environment,” Stoltenberg said. “So it's crucial that we continue to support them, practically and financially, to preserve the gains we have achieved in Afghanistan through our joint efforts over many years.”