Trump Inherits The Afghanistan Albatross — And Commits For The Long Term
The president went against what he called his own instincts by agreeing to deploy about 4,000 more troops in an open-ended extension of America's longest war.
President Trump inherited it with the presidency, and now is putting the albatross that is Afghanistan around his own neck.
On Monday, Trump became the third consecutive commander in chief to authorize a major deployment of American troops. He explained his reasoning following months of deliberation — which followed years of skepticism before he launched his political career.
"We have wasted an enormous amount of blood and treasure in Afghanistan," Trump wrote in 2013. "Their government has zero appreciation. Let's get out!"
Trump clung to that view through his election and inauguration — and calling for a fresh infusion of personnel.
