The Guardian: Afghan president blames ‘hasty’ US troop withdrawal for worsening violence
Ashraf Ghani comments come as government forces battle to prevent Lashkar Gah falling to the Taliban
Afghanistan’s president, Ashraf Ghani, has blamed the speedy withdrawal of US-led troops for the worsening violence in his country, as government forces battled to prevent provincial cities from falling to the Taliban in a major escalation in fighting.
Taliban fighters assaulted at least three provincial capitals overnight – Lashkar Gah, Kandahar and Herat – after a weekend of heavy fighting that resulted in thousands of civilians fleeing the advancing militants.
On Monday, Ghani told parliament that “an imported, hasty” peace process “not only failed to bring peace but created doubt and ambiguity” among Afghans.
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WNU Editor: There is a lot of blame to go around for what is happening in Afghanistan today. But the quick and unconditional U.S. withdrawal did surprise the Afghan government and America's allies in Afghanistan.
It looks like the only ones who are not surprised are the Taliban, who appear to have been ready to launch this military offensive once US troops started to leave.
More News On The Afghan President Blaming The ‘Hasty’ US Troop Withdrawal For The Worsening Security Situation
Afghan president Ashraf Ghani blames U.S. troop pullout for worsening violence amid Taliban gains -- CBS/AP
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani says 'sudden' withdrawal of US troops opened the door for Taliban to target major cities -- ABC News Australia
Afghan president blames swift US withdrawal for Taliban surge, with key cities under threat -- FOX News
Afghanistan president blames 'sudden' US withdrawal for worsening security situation -- The Hill
Afghan president calls for ‘war against Taliban’ as peace hopes crumble -- Arab News
