KABUL, Afghanistan, Dec. 2 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama's speech evoked alarm and questions from Afghanistan about America's proposed pullout from that war-torn country, officials say.
The president announced he would begin withdrawing combat troops in 18 months in a move that some speculate reflects U.S. fatigue with the war there, The New York Times reported Wednesday.
The handover of security responsibility appeared to be a shock to the system to many Afghan officials, including Foreign Minister Rangin Dadfar Spanta. "Can we do it?" he said. "That is the main question. This is not done in a moment; it is a process. They have to have strategic patience with us."
But as troops designated for combat come home, the number of soldiers sent over for reconstruction and protection is projected to be 35,000 -- higher than the present number, the newspaper said. And U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan Karl Eikenberry signed an agreement to open consulates in two Afghan cities.
"I want to emphasize that we have a very comprehensive approach and a long-term friendship and partnership with Afghanistan," Eikenberry said.
There is also the issue of public relations on all sides: the Americans, the Afghans and the Taliban.
"Our own problem is that people have a war-torn mentality; they will side with the winner and we have to show them that the Afghan government can be the winner," an Afghan diplomatic aide said.
The proposed pullout "clearly indicates that the United States has broad, long-term, brazen plans not only for Afghanistan but also for the region," said a statement from the Taliban, bearing the heading of the Islamic Emirates of Afghanistan.
