Bin Laden’s death is not grounds for withdrawal, say officials
In the wake of Osama bin Laden’s death, some observers are wondering what lies ahead for coalition forces in Afghanistan as they struggle to defeat the Taliban insurgency. While the United States initially invaded Afghanistan in response to the 9/11 attacks and the Taliban’s support for bin Laden, the New York Times reports that senior officials in both countries are cautioning that his death does not mean victory for the U.S. and NATO, and is not grounds for withdrawal. “I don’t think this will affect the Taliban fight in the short term, but in the long term it will because Al Qaeda helped the Taliban in fighting and other activities,” said Arsala Rahmani, a former Taliban fighter who is now part of the High Peace Council. “The killing of Osama should not be seen as mission accomplished,” said former Afghan interior minister Hanif Atmar. “Al Qaeda is much more than just Osama bin Laden.”