[Rockstar]

I think the so called war on terror in Afghanistan ended a long time ago. When we first began the effectiveness of combat operations was highly praised. Because we were able to rout the enemy with superior technology, airstrikes and an amazingly minimal number of troop on the ground. I think the subsequent build up of troops had little to do with fears of suddenly losing the war, quagmire or another British death march. The additional influx troops was I think fueled mostly by the need to now start building a friendly Afghan government, army, police, and infrastructure. As things began to settle and a sense of normalcy returned we began reducing the numbers.

Chances are that on September 11th the U.S. and NATO will be moving the remaining 'declared' combat troops out. But, we are I think privatizing this operation now as the government is still signing deals with private contractors in Afghanistan.

Instead of declared troops in Afghanistan, the United States will most likely rely on a shadowy combination of clandestine Special Operations forces, Pentagon contractors and covert intelligence operatives to find and attack the most dangerous Qaeda or Islamic State threats, current and former American officials said.

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/13/u...ithdrawal.html