One Factor in Afghan Decision: Mining Riches

President Trump goes before the nation at 9pm EDT Monday to lay out his strategy for the war in Afghanistan. 

The big expected takeaway: an announcement of an increase in troops with the goal of reversing recent gains by the Taliban—the Los Angeles Times puts the figure at about 4,000. In return, the Afghan government will be asked to clamp down on corruption, among other things. Trump also is expected to make clear that this is not an open-ended war, without providing specifics for a US drawdown. 

Related coverage:

  • Significance: Putting forth his own strategy is a "turning point" for Trump because it means he takes ownership of the US involvement in the conflict, notes the Wall Street Journal. In 2013, as he was pondering a run for president, Trump tweeted that the US should pull out quickly and use the money to "rebuild the U.S.!"
  • Generals happy: After a monthslong assessment, Trump seems to have sided with his military commanders, with defense chief James Mattis pronouncing himself satisfied with the "rigorous" review, reports the New York Times. Opponents in the Steve Bannon camp had argued that the US should pull out and perhaps let private contractors fight the battle.

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