Afghan war to end in 2 weeks: Obama

WASHINGTON (Pajhwok): With Afghan national forces taking complete charge of the country’s security in two weeks from now, the American war in Afghanistan will come to a responsible end, US President Barack Obama said Monday.

“This month, in just two weeks, the transition that we’re making in Afghanistan will be complete. Afghans will take full responsibility for their security. This month, after more than 13 years, our combat mission in Afghanistan will be over,” he said.

This month, America’s war in Afghanistan would come to a responsible end, Obama told a group of US soldiers on their return from Afghanistan. For more than a year, Afghan forces have been in the lead to secure their country, he added.

More of US troops have been coming home, he said at a military base in New Jersey. “So let me just say to all of you who’ve returned from Afghanistan in recent weeks, on behalf of a grateful nation, I want to say welcome home. You’re home for the holidays. And we’re glad to have you back,” he said.

Obama reiterated that an end to the war in Afghanistan does not mean that everything is great in Afghanistan. It is still a very dangerous place, he added. 

“But I want you, and every American who has served in Afghanistan, to be proud of what you’ve accomplished there. Because your generation — the 9/11 generation — has met every mission that’s been given to you,” the president remarked.

He praised the troops for helping decimate the core al Qaeda leadership and delivering justice to Osama bin Laden, who would not be attacking the US anymore.

“You helped train Afghan forces to take the lead. You helped make possible a historic election this year and the first democratic transfer of power in Afghanistan’s history. Despite all their challenges, Afghans are now looking to the future. And that’s all because of you. That’s makes us safer, and it gives them a chance for a better future,” Obama said.

 Even after an end to the combat mission ends, the US commitment to Afghanistan endured, Obama said. “We’ll continue to have a limited military presence there because we’ve got to keep training and equipping Afghan forces…”

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