By — Lolita C. Baldor, Associated Press Lolita C. Baldor, Associated Press By — Robert Burns, Associated Press Robert Burns, Associated Press Leave a comment 0comments Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/pulling-troops-out-of-afghanistan-early-would-be-a-mistake-general-says Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Pulling troops out of Afghanistan early would be a mistake, general says Nation Jul 11, 2019 12:12 PM EDT WASHINGTON — The Army general nominated to be the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs says that pulling American troops out of Afghanistan prematurely would be a mistake. He says the U.S. should keep a “modest number” of forces in Iraq and Syria to maintain stability. Gen. Mark Milley is also assuring the Senate Armed Services Committee that he will give his candid advice to the president and won’t be intimidated into making “stupid decisions.” President Donald Trump has pressed for pulling U.S. troops out of Syria and Afghanistan. But so far there have been few reductions, reflecting military commanders’ urgings to maintain the status quo for now. Milley says he won’t be intimidated “by no one, ever.” He has been nominated to replace outgoing chairman Gen. Joseph Dunford. WATCH: The impact of the Islamic State in Afghanistan We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now By — Lolita C. Baldor, Associated Press Lolita C. Baldor, Associated Press By — Robert Burns, Associated Press Robert Burns, Associated Press
WASHINGTON — The Army general nominated to be the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs says that pulling American troops out of Afghanistan prematurely would be a mistake. He says the U.S. should keep a “modest number” of forces in Iraq and Syria to maintain stability. Gen. Mark Milley is also assuring the Senate Armed Services Committee that he will give his candid advice to the president and won’t be intimidated into making “stupid decisions.” President Donald Trump has pressed for pulling U.S. troops out of Syria and Afghanistan. But so far there have been few reductions, reflecting military commanders’ urgings to maintain the status quo for now. Milley says he won’t be intimidated “by no one, ever.” He has been nominated to replace outgoing chairman Gen. Joseph Dunford. WATCH: The impact of the Islamic State in Afghanistan We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now