US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has arrived in Afghanistan on his first overseas visit in the new post. His visit comes at a turning point in the conflict.
US and NATO allies have set their timetable for the withdrawal of their combat troops and pressure is mounting on the U.S.-led effort to train Afghan forces. Hagel said he wants an assessment on the progress of Afghan forces as they prepare to take over the security of their own country in 2014.
Chuck Hagel, US Defense Secretry, said, "It is the Afghan people who need to make and will make their own decisions about their future. We can help. We have helped, as well as our allies, but there does come a time when that should be transitioned."
Hagel added that the U.S. has many issues and challenges ahead as they are preparing for a responsible transition. Hours before Hagel arrived, defense officials said three men wearing Afghan army uniforms and driving an Afghan army vehicle forced their way onto a U.S. base in eastern Afghanistan and opened fire, killing one civilian contractor and wounding other U.S. troops.
Hagel also said he plans to talk to Afghan President Hamid Karzai about the recent order expelling U.S. commandos from Wardak Province. Karzai ordered U.S. special operations forces leave within two weeks, because of allegations that Afghans working with the commandos were involved in abusive behaviour and torture. There are currently about 66,000 U.S. troops in Afghanistan, down from a peak of about 100 thousand in 2010.