The Afghanistan War Is Officially Over For The U.S. And NATO (Kind Of)

U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel addresses service members on Forward Operating Base Gamberi, Afghanistan, Dec. 7, 2014. DoD photo by U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Adrian Cadiz

My Comment: So .... combat operations for U.S. and NATO soldiers in Afghanistan are now officially over .... US, NATO end Afghan combat command after 13 years (AP).

But the war continues .... Afghan war rages as foreign forces go out the door (Reuters).

As for the future .... the problems continue to build .... In Kabul’s Valley of Death, hints of Afghanistan’s security woes (Washington Post).

In an understatement .... soon to be unemployed US Defense Secretary of Defense Hagel admits that challenges lie ahead .... Hagel: Challenges Remain for US Troops in Afghanistan (VOA) .... while announcing that 1,000 more U.S. troops will remain .... Another 1,000 U.S. Troops to Stay in Afghanistan (The Atlantic).

U.S. and NATO Generals are still upbeat on the mission .... US generals upbeat as Afghanistan ground forces center closes (Stars and Stripes) .... even though recent reports paint a different picture .... Afghan forces ill equipped to fight Taliban without NATO (Reuters).

As for the Afghans .... in an ominous sign of what the future may be .... the young want to embrace the Islamic State .... Afghan students find inspiration in Islamic State's success (Reuters).

Sighhhh .... this does not look good.