Taliban denounce Obama decision on troop levels

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — The Taliban in Afghanistan say President Barack Obama's decision to leave more troops in Afghanistan will only prolong the fighting there. A Taliban spokesman says, "What Obama could not do with 149,000 troops, he will not be able to do with 8,400 troops."

Obama announced today that there will be a slower draw-down of U.S. troops in Afghanistan, leaving 8,400 there when his term is over. It was an acknowledgment that the United States will remain involved there, despite Obama's hopes of ending the war.

Flanked by top military leaders at the White House, Obama said the security situation in Afghanistan is "precarious" and the Taliban remain a threat roughly 15 years after the U.S. invaded in the aftermath of 9/11.

There are currently about 9,800 troops in Afghanistan, and Obama had planned to pull that back to 5,500 by year-end. But a Taliban resurgence caused the White House to re-think its exit strategy.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani welcomed Obama's decision. In Kabul, a spokesman called the decision "a sign of continued partnership between our nations to fight our common enemy and strengthen regional stability."

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214-w-36-(Sagar Meghani (SAH'-gur meh-GAH'-nee), AP national security correspondent, with President Barack Obama)--President Barack Obama is again revising plans for bringing U.S. troops home from Afghanistan. AP National Security Correspondent Sagar Meghani reports from the Pentagon. (6 Jul 2016)

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172-a-13-(President Barack Obama, speaking to reporters)-"as it evolves"-President Obama says keeping more troops in Afghanistan puts the next president in the best position to chart the future course of the U.S. mission there. (6 Jul 2016)

<<CUT *172 (07/06/16)££ 00:13 "as it evolves"

175-a-12-(President Barack Obama, speaking to reporters)-"as it is"-President Obama says much has been accomplished in Afghanistan, but the security situation there remains precarious. (6 Jul 2016)

<<CUT *175 (07/06/16)££ 00:12 "as it is"

APPHOTO DCSW105: Defense Secretary Ash Carter listens at left as President Barack Obama makes a statement on Afghanistan from the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, July 6, 2016. The president said the U.S. will leave 8,400 troops in Afghanistan when he completes his term, down slightly from the current number but well up from the 5,500 he announced previously, arguing America's interests depend on helping Afghanistan's struggling government fight continuing threats from the Taliban and others. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) (6 Jul 2016)

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