US officials, military deeply concerned at troop withdrawal

MUNICH: President Trump’s intent to withdraw American forces from Syria and Afghanistan is provoking concern and skepticism from US officials and military brass gathered at a major security conference, reports foreign media.

Leaders from America, Europe, and elsewhere contend an abrupt US withdrawal from either war-torn country could have lethal repercussions, including heavier influence from terrorist elements and further Iranian encroachment into the Middle East.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., who is leading the US delegation at the Munich Security Conference, questioned troop withdrawals on the event's opening day. Another member of the U.S. congressional delegation at the security conference told the Washington Examiner military leaders have said much the same thing.

“A lot of chatter in our meetings from our allies and even our own military leaders is that we are headed down a disastrous path, especially in Syria,” said the lawmaker, who attended numerous meetings on the sidelines of the conference. “Pulling out [means] turning over the keys to Russia in places that we don't want Russia to control.”

That's in line with concerns raised by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who warned about the geopolitical risks. "Will it once more strengthen the capacity of Iran and Russia to exert their influence?" Merkel asked, rhetorically, during her address to the conference.

Trump’s team is pushing hard for a deal with the Taliban to end the longest U.S. war — a conflict that involves 39 NATO allies who contribute about 17,000 troops total, including more than 8,400 Americans. European officials want him to coordinate this decision, instead of surprising them, as happened with the Syria withdrawal announcement — which the president made on Twitter.