Trump uncertainty impedes NATO's Afghan strategy

Subject

NATO plans in Afghanistan.

Significance

The United States has nearly 7,000 troops in Afghanistan, spread across two separate but complementary missions. One is led by the US military and the other by NATO, but both are commanded by US General John W Nicholson. Uncertainty about US President Donald Trump’s policy looms over NATO’s plans for the country.

Impacts

• Afghanistan’s economic decline will accelerate if US aid falls markedly.
• The Taliban have no incentive to talk peace at present.
• Direct Chinese security involvement in Afghanistan may deepen.