Small Wars Journal

Despite 17 Years of War, Next U.S. Commander in Afghanistan Sees Progress

Tue, 06/19/2018 - 12:53pm

Despite 17 Years of War, Next U.S. Commander in Afghanistan Sees Progress by Leo Shane III - Military Times

While acknowledging that 17 years of war “is a very long time,” the incoming head of U.S. forces in Afghanistan told lawmakers he sees progress in the ongoing fight thanks to recent changes in military strategy there.

“I can’t guarantee you a timeline or an end date,” said Army Lt. Gen. Austin Miller, nominated to succeed Army Gen. John Nicholson leading the American and NATO mission in Afghanistan.

“But I go back to the vital interests of national security for America. I know this is having an effect on elements that would attack us.”

The comments grew skepticism from several members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, who expressed confidence in Miller to lead the Afghanistan effort but grave concerns with the ongoing mission there…

Read on.