WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement in response to the troop-level cuts announced today.

“President Trump’s decision for a hasty drawdown of American troops in Afghanistan is a mistake that threatens our national security and regional stability. Once again, President Trump has made a rash decision that goes against the recommendation of his senior military leadership. Conditions on the ground in Afghanistan do not warrant a further drawdown at this time, as the Taliban has not just failed to uphold its agreement with the United States for peace, but actually stepped up attacks against Afghan forces, threatening the peace process. American troops will leave Afghanistan when the conditions are right, but leaving too quickly risks the region becoming a terrorist safe haven again, puts Americans and allies at risk, and puts into jeopardy the significant progress that has been achieved, including the advancement of rights for women and girls.”

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