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Hi, everybody. This week, I welcomed President Hamid Karzai to the White House to discuss
the way ahead in Afghanistan. And today, I want to update you on how we will end this
war, bring our troops home, and continue the work of rebuilding America.
Over the past four years, thanks to our brave men and women in uniform, we’ve dealt devastating
blows to al Qaeda. We’ve pushed the Taliban out of their strongholds. And our core
objective – the reason we went to war in the first place – is now within reach: ensuring
that al Qaeda can never again use Afghanistan to launch attacks against America.
The 33,000 additional forces that I ordered to Afghanistan served with honor, completed
their mission, and – as promised – returned home last fall. This week, we agreed that
this spring, Afghan forces will take the lead for security across the entire country, and
our troops will shift to a support role. In the coming months, I’ll announce the
next phase of our drawdown. And by the end of next year, America’s war in Afghanistan
will be over. This progress has only been possible because
of the heroic sacrifices of our troops and diplomats, alongside forces from many other
nations. More than a half million Americans – military and civilian – have served
in Afghanistan. Thousands have been wounded. More than 2,000 have given their lives.
This remains a very difficult mission. The work ahead will not be easy. Our forces
are still in harm’s way. But make no mistake – our path is clear, and we are moving forward.
Because after more than a decade of war, the nation we need to rebuild is our own.
As we do, we have to care for our troops and veterans who fought in our name. We have to
grow our economy and shrink our deficits. Create new jobs and boost family incomes.
We have to fix our infrastructure and our immigration system. We have to protect our
planet from the destructive effects of climate change – and protect our children from the
horrors of gun violence. These, too, will be difficult missions for
America. But they must be met. And if we can summon just a fraction of the determination
of our men and women in uniform, I know we can meet them. And I intend to work as hard
as I know how to make sure we do. Thank you.