The Wire

The announcement that NATO allies will withdraw troops from Afghanistan starting from the middle of next year has been met with a mixed response. On one hand there’s the sense that foreign forces have overstayed their welcome in Afghanistan. On the other hand, there are concerns that the country isn’t secure enough to leave to its own devices.

Under the plans, 130 000 combat troops will leave the country by the end of 2014, after which there will be a focus on training Afghan troops.