Push for Afghan peace deal
-----------------------------
A peace agreement to end Afghanistan’s 18-year conflict would see the U.S. pulling out thousands of troops in exchange for promises from the Taliban that it will sever ties to militant groups like Al Qaeda
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U.S. spending for Afghan war (2001-2019*)  $975bn

*Fiscal year data. 2019 estimate
-----------------------------
Aug 2019: 11,000-12,000.
5,000-6,000 troops could leave as part of peace deal,
with rest likely to withdraw gradually over two years
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U.S. TROOPS IN AFGHANISTAN (thousands)


100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0  01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

Oct 2001: President George W. Bush launches operation to oust Taliban following Sep 11
attacks on US

Dec 2009: 69,000. President Barack Obama announces “surge” of 30,000 troops

May 2011: 100,000 U.S. special forces kill Al Qaeda chief Osama Bin Laden in Pakistan

Feb 2013 Obama announces pullout of 34,000 troops

Sep 2017 President Donald Trump commits 3,000 extra troops

DeC 2014 Formal end of combat mission but troops remain to support Afghan forces

Oct 2018 U.S. holds first round of peace talks with Taliban


     
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Sources: Brown University, Stratfor, The Economist Picture: Getty Images © GRAPHIC NEWS