WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — On July 14, Defense Secretary James Mattis said the US Defense Department was close to completing its policy review for a new strategy in Afghanistan. Media reports later said that Trump was unsatisfied with the strategies presented to him and sent them back.
"I urge the President to… decide on a policy and strategy that can achieve our national security interests in Afghanistan and the region," McCain said. "If the President fails to do this by the time the Senate takes up the defense authorization bill in September, I will offer an amendment to that legislation, which will provide such a strategy."
Citing congressional testimony from Gen. John Nicholson, commander of the US forces in Afghanistan, McCain blamed Trump and his predecessor Barack Obama for the United States not winning the war in the country.
"The reason for this failure is a lack of successful policy and strategic guidance from Washington over many years, which has continued in the first several months of this new administration," McCain said.
NATO withdrew its military contingent from Afghanistan in 2014, replacing it with a non-military Resolute Support mission. Its objective is to train, advise and assist Afghan National Defense and Security Forces in preserving peace and stability in the country. However, in 2015, Daesh terrorist group expanded its presence in Afghanistan, destabilizing the situation there.
