Big Changes for Our Nation and Afghanistan - Sophia Davison

      As relations change for the U.S., we see that American and NATO troops have "closed their operational command in Afghanistan on Monday, lowering flags in a ceremony to mark the formal end of their combat mission in a country still mired in war 13 years after the U.S.-led invasion toppled the Taliban regime for harboring those responsible for 9/11," as Townhall News tells us. This big change has set a new attitude and outlook on our relations with these countries, causing change in policies and motions from 'way up top' in order to establish more set-in-stone relations. The follow-up of the Taliban has produced a new generation of like-minded thinkers, and created a slim chance of any peace negotiations anytime soon due to the agreements made between the U.S.A. and  Afghan President Ashraf Ghani. These like-minded followers have also raised groups of extremists and currently American leaders are pushing for even more support for military campaigns against conflict with Islamic State Group militants throughout Syria and Iraq. The preconceived notion of ending combat in these areas almost three years ago has long passed, but new updated plans and possibilities for changes throughout relations with these various countries. Yet relations ARE still tense, as we hear: "Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told The Associated Press that the group would continue to fight "until all foreign troops have left Afghanistan." "The Americans want to extend their mission in Afghanistan, the motive being to keep the war going for as long as possible," Mujahid said. "And for as long as they do, the Taliban will continue their fight against the foreign and (Afghan) government forces."
         As one can see, relations are not of the most friendly nature, yet up to 10,800 American troops will be stationed in Afghanistan until April of 2015, but by the end of the year there will be around 5,500 troops left in the country. "Obama's recent decision broadened what had long been billed as an "advise and assist" mission set to begin next year, allowing American forces to launch operations against the militants as well as to provide combat and air support. Afghan officials have also said that Ghani is considering a resumption of night raids that could involve Americans. Nevertheless, U.S. Gen. John F. Campbell, commander of NATO and U.S. forces, said foreign troops will now focus on training and supporting Afghan soldiers and police, who have led the fight against the Taliban insurgents since mid-2013. 'The Afghan security forces are capable,' Campbell said. 'They have to make some changes in the leadership, which they're doing, and they have to hold people accountable.'"
         These statements made by Campbell outline the situation pretty well, to my understanding, also allowing room for hope in the future within his analysis. These big changes throughout our country seem very out-of-reach to those of us who are not directly involved or have family out fighting, yet the actions taking place are very real, and must be assessed. The hope our country holds is a united force willing for peace and good relations in the future.... We can only wait and see where this path leads us.

 http://townhall.com/news/world/2014/12/08/us-nato-ceremonially-end-afghan-combat-mission-n1928808