Pentagon chief Chuck Hagel has arrived in Afghanistan in his first trip to the country as defense secretary in a bid to to make his own assessment about America’s longest war as it enters its final stretch.During his visit to Afghanistan Hagel is expected to meet with commanders and hold talks with Afghan President Hamid Karzai, whose recent orders to curtail military activity underscore an often tense relationship with the 66,000 American forces there.
Before leaving for Kabul on an unannounced visit Hagel told reporters, “I need to better understand what’s going on and make my own assessment and listen to our commanders”.
He said it was his first trip to Afghanistan since a mid-2008 visit with then-Senator Barack Obama during Obama’s campaign for the presidency.
Hagel’s visit to Afghanistan comes amid president Hamid Karzai’s order that U.S. special operations forces leave within two weeks because of allegations that Afghans working with the commandos were involved in abusive behavior and torture.
The order comes despite worries that it could leave the region more vulnerable to al-Qaida and other insurgents. U.S. officials have said they have seen no evidence that American forces were involved in the abuse of Afghan civilians.
from KHAAMA
By Sajad - 08 Mar 2013, 9:40 pm
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International Security Assistance Force HQ Public Affairs
KABUL, Afghanistan - U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel arrived in
Afghanistan this evening, his first visit as secretary of defense. He
provided the following message to ISAF personnel.
To All ISAF Personnel:
This is my fifth trip to Afghanistan, but my first trip as the United
States Secretary of Defense. Over the course of my visit, I look forward
to meeting many of you and seeing the extraordinary work that you are
accomplishing every day. Whether you are in combat, logistics, medical
support or intelligence, whether you are working in a headquarters or
going out on patrol, whether you are on the ground or in the air, your
contributions to the fight are invaluable.
What you are doing here in Afghanistan will help ensure that al Qaeda
does not re-establish the safe haven they had before Sept. 11, 2001. You
are working under stressful and difficult conditions, and you have my
profound gratitude, and the gratitude of the American people, for your
service and your sacrifices. You have my full support, and I will do
everything I possibly can to help you succeed and come home safely to
your families. I have no higher priority as Secretary of Defense than
your safety, success, and welfare.
I believe that we are at a very important moment in this campaign, with
the Afghan National Security Forces on the verge of stepping into the
lead for all combat operations across the country. As the 2013 fighting
season gets underway, the ANSF will be doing more and more of the
fighting, and relying on you for support, training, and advice. The
choices you make on the battlefield, the professionalism and honor you
carry forward, and the relationships and trust you build with our Afghan
partners are all essential to the success of this campaign.
Even as we move into more of a support role, this remains a dangerous
and difficult mission. We are still at war, and many of you will
continue to experience the ugly reality of combat and the heat of
battle. But the goal we have established – to have Afghans assume full
responsibility for security by the end of 2014 – is clear and
achievable.
So as I begin my time as Secretary of Defense, I look forward to hearing
from you, seeing this war from your vantage point, and working to make
sure you get what you need to finish the fight and come home safe. This
is a decisive time – and with your continued professionalism, dedication
and sacrifice, I believe we can make history and help forge a more
peaceful future for the people of Afghanistan, for the region, and – in
turn – for the world.
Washington Time
Kabul Time
London Time
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