President Trump has approved sending 4000 additional troops to Afghanistan ahead of a major address to the nation about the war from Fort Myer Monday night.
US official: President has signed off on 4,000 more US troops to Afghanistan; not clear he will talk numbers t'night. No talk of withdrawal.
— Jennifer Griffin (@JenGriffinFNC) August 21, 2017
In speech t'night Pres Trump will ask "region to do more," will ask "India and Pakistan to do more to bring Taliban to negotiating table.
— Jennifer Griffin (@JenGriffinFNC) August 21, 2017
Trump strategy to include negotiating w/ Taliban. In past Qatar negotiations failed b/c Pres Obama announced troop withdrawals: US official
— Jennifer Griffin (@JenGriffinFNC) August 21, 2017
US officials say they want Afghanistan to mirror ISIS war in Iraq and Syria--more US troops closer to the fight to call in airstrikes
— Lucas Tomlinson (@LucasFoxNews) August 21, 2017
Over the weekend, President Trump announced a decision had been made on the issue after months of deliberation and consideration.
Important day spent at Camp David with our very talented Generals and military leaders. Many decisions made, including on Afghanistan.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 19, 2017
The United States has been in Afghanistan for 16 years. Trump campaigned on getting out of the country eventually, but doing so gradually. In 2013, he argued for the U.S. to get out completely.