US President Donald Trump sparked outrage among UK allies by stating that NATO forces in Afghanistan remained "behind," away from the front lines. Speaking in an interview with Fox News, which aired on 22/1/2020, Trump questioned the commitment of NATO allies.
"They said they sent some troops to Afghanistan. They did, but they were in the back, a little way from the front lines," President Trump commented, referring to NATO allies. He further questioned whether NATO allies would be present if the US needed them. "I'm not sure about that. I know that we have supported them and will continue to, but what about the other way around?" Trump stated during the interview in Davos, Switzerland.
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US President Donald Trump in Davos, Switzerland on 21/1/2020. Photo: AP |
These remarks immediately drew criticism from the UK, whose officials argued that the US president had diminished the critical role of NATO forces in Afghanistan. Following the 11/9/2001 terrorist attacks, the UK and other allies joined the US in the conflict targeting al-Qaeda and the Taliban regime in Afghanistan.
The conflict resulted in the deaths of approximately 3,500 allied soldiers, including 2,456 Americans and 457 Britons. Denmark also lost more than 40 soldiers. John Healey, UK Defense Minister, emphasized the sacrifices made. "NATO's Article 5 has only been invoked once. The UK and NATO allies responded to the US's call. More than 450 British soldiers died in Afghanistan. Those soldiers should be remembered because they are heroes," Healey stated.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described President Trump's statements as "insulting and truly terrible." He added, "It is no surprise that they deeply hurt the relatives of those who died or were injured." Emily Thornberry, chair of the UK House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, also viewed Trump's comments as an insult to the 457 families who lost loved ones in Afghanistan. "How dare he say that we were not on the front lines," the Labour Party politician expressed.
Kemi Badenoch, leader of the opposition Conservative Party, stressed that "the sacrifice of allies deserves respect, not contempt." Lucy Aldridge, whose son William died at the age of 18 in Afghanistan, told Mirror that Trump's statements were "disappointing."
This new tension emerged after President Trump recently upset NATO members by declaring his intention to control Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark. However, during his speech in Davos that week, Trump partially appeased European allies by pledging not to use force to acquire the island.
Thanh Tam (According to CNN, AFP)
