American First and Afghanistan

The Taliban suicide bombing in Kabul, Afghanistan on 27^th January, was called to attention by both President Trump as well as Vice President Mike Pence on their twitter pages. The policy changes have resulted into on and off bilateral relations with many countries mostly according to economic interests, though it is the strategic interest why Trump administration cannot abandon Afghanistan. With the “war of terror” still in effect, Trump did introduce new approaches to handle Afghanistan under American First policy.

The withdrawal of forces from Afghanistan means giving up the country into the hand of terrorists, though it is what public opinions been describing as an answer to end the stalemate which has been continuing over a decade. American first policy doesn’t mean going alone, but rather to pursue the best foreign policy that would benefit the interests of U.S. The new plan of Trump is not intended to waste decade long effort of preventing Afghanistan as a source of transnational terrorism, but rather to be more precise with the mission. Trump said, "Our troops will fight to win” “"We are killing terrorists" and then added, "We are not nation-building again”. Trump made clear that all he sought from this continued military effort is for the elimination of ISIS, Al Qaeda and preventing Taliban from taking control of the country and not for promoting democracy for better image of America or to dictate Afghan people how to live.

For the victory from the stalemate, Trump is willing to employ more troops to the existing number of 8,400 for counter-terrorism and training of Afghan forces but the number of troops and the details of mission would be kept secret for the sake of “element of surprise”. He also does give more autonomous power to military. By claiming "Micromanagement from Washington, DC, does not win battles," he removes the restrictions imposed by Obama administration upon offensive operations in Afghanistan However, he also stated this support is not a blank check.

The American First policy is greatly judged for its pro- isolationist factor, but its balance between U.S commitment and interests can be greatly seen in its approach towards Afghanistan. Fighting the same war for fifteen years has dried up the public passion for the victory, and yet without the victory there will not be the end, and more likely to challenge the national security of U.S. The new approach can be characterized with the best interest of U.S to protect its own national security, but not so much globalism to address the issues of Afghan people and get involve with their complex society and government. It can be said that American First policy is only reacting to the terrorism in Afghanistan only.