NATO chief and former Norwegian PM Jens Stoltenberg says the collapse of Afghanistan happened faster than anyone could predict.
He believes that the country’s political leadership failed.
“The political leadership was unable to oppose the Taliban and ensure the peaceful solution the Afghan people wanted. This failure in leadership led to the tragedy we are now witnessing,” Jens Stoltenberg said at a press conference at NATO headquarters on Tuesday.
“At the same time, there is also a need for an honest assessment of NATO’s commitment. Despite significant investments and sacrifices, the collapse came quickly and abruptly,” Stoltenberg added.
A lot to learn
He noted that was a lot to learn from the mission in Afghanistan but added that there has also been some progress.
“NATO and our partners went in after 9/11 to prevent the country from becoming a haven for terrorists. In the last two decades, there have been no terrorist attacks on Allied soil, carried out from Afghanistan.
“Those who now take power have a responsibility to ensure that international terrorists do not get a foothold (there) again,” Stoltenberg emphasized.
Source: © NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today / #NorwayTodayNews
Do you have a news tip for Norway Today? We want to hear it. Get in touch at [email protected]
Nope. Wasn’t Jens’s fault. 🙂
He had to cancel out of a NUPI video conference (understandably) scheduled for today. Instead, he will be holding a news conference.
To announce his resignation … after this is over?
Meanwhile, the British are “concerned about terrorist activity in Afghanistan” … apparently itching to stay in there. Unbelievable.