US Troops Leaving Afghanistan
US troops will be coming home by the end of 2012. Currently, drawdown plans are being announced to pull 33,000 U.S. soldiers from Afghanistan. In June of 2011, the number of American troops currently serving in Afghanistan was around 101,000.
Other nations are also planning to bring their armed forces home, giving more control of the conflict to Afghanistan. Some troops, however, will stay behind to help train the Afghan forces. This continued training, coupled with aid and support, would help Afghanistan gain better control over the situation on their own.
Many foreign forces have left the region this year. By the end of Dec., roughly 14,000 foreign troops will be pulled from the area. The United States will also be pulling 10,000 soldiers. This drawdown would have the added benefit of saving the US government money.
Money spent on wars has had a heavy cost to the United States economy. Congress is in the process of finding ways to save money and cut spending. Most military programs and benefits are currently safe. There have also been legislation to provide funding to help veterans find job opportunities.
Troops will most likely be pulled from the region up until 2014, when the Afghans will take full control of security.