US strategy on Afghanistan may achieve its modest aims

Significance

The new US strategy announced by President Donald Trump seeks to provide just enough military support to allow Afghan forces to hold the line against the Taliban and prevent further territorial losses. This is similar to the previous administration's policy, although it sensibly abandons fixed deadlines.

Impacts

• NATO and other states involved in the Afghanistan coalition will be asked to contribute more forces, but increases will be modest.
• Trump's announcement will instil some badly needed self-confidence in the Afghan government.
• Any move by India to act on Trump's invitation to engage more in Afghanistan will face strong resistance from Pakistan.