U.S President Donald Trump met with his national security team on Friday at the Camp David retreat, but the much-awaited strategy for Afghanistan, where the country is entangled in a conflict for the last 16 years, was not announced at the end of the day.
The Trump administration has begun to talk about a “South Asia strategy” for Afghanistan, which involves India and Pakistan, but the contours of this remains unclear.
"Important day spent at Camp David with our very talented Generals and military leaders. Many decisions made, including on Afghanistan," Mr. Trump posted on Twitter on Saturday morning, while the White House statement on Friday evening said he was studying options.
“This afternoon the President was briefed extensively by his national security team on a new strategy to protect America's interests in South Asia. The President is studying and considering his options and will make an announcement to the American people, to our allies and partners, and to the world at the appropriate time,” the statement said.
Mr. Trump had disapproved of the plan that Defence Secretary James Mattis and National Security Adviser H.R McMaster had drawn up for Afghanistan, which would have increased the U.S troop presence in the country, open-ended.
One major opponent of continuing U.S military presence in Afghanistan in the White House, Stephen Bannon, was ousted on Friday as Chief Strategist. It is to be seen whether Mr. Bannon’s exit would have any impact on Mr. Trump’s thinking on the matter.
