On the 14^th January, Armed Forces International reported on comments made by the UK Defence Secretary, Des Browne, who stated that British troops could remain deployed in Afghanistan for “decades” to come.

A day later, a newspaper in Afghanistan labelled such a warning “irresponsible” and said it stood against notions of “national sovereignty”.

While 7,800 members of the British armed forces currently serve in Afghanistan, this number is expected to grow in conjunction with the imminent military withdrawal from Iraq.

Browne: British Troops Could Remain in Afghanistan for Years Yet

Mr Browne was asked by a British publication when Britain’s military presence in Afghanistan would end. He replied: “We cannot risk it again becoming an ungoverned training haven for terrorists who threaten the UK", adding, "It is a commitment which could last decades, although it will reduce over time."

"But there is only so much our forces can achieve”, he said. “The job can only be completed by the international community working with the Afghan government and its army.”

Paper: Overseas Troops Cannot Stay Without Afghan Consent

The Afghan paper, Arman-e Millie, stated the following by way of a response:

"This irresponsible comment of Britain's defence minister from the viewpoints of political experts, is regarded as (an) explicit sign of deviation of international treaties and against the national sovereignty of Afghanistan.”

"For (a decision made) on the continuation of foreign troops’ presence in Afghanistan is the right of the government, the parliament and our people. No authority of any country has the right to extend the duration of its troops' presence without the consent and request of the Afghan people.”

Overseas troops have been present in Afghanistan since 2001.

Commanders have not yet provided a specific timetable for the withdrawal of these troops, highlighting how such a move would depend on the state of security there.  

While it views the role of foreign soldiers as paramount in the fight against the Taliban, the government in Afghanistan has urged for additional funding and resources to be provided to its home-grown forces over the provision of more overseas troops.

Source – Armed Forces International’s Political Correspondent

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