Trump Reverses Stance, Praises UK Soldiers After Afghanistan Remarks Backlash
In a dramatic shift, former President Donald Trump has praised UK soldiers who fought in Afghanistan, following widespread criticism over his remarks suggesting they avoided the front lines during the conflict.
Earlier this week, Trump sparked outrage during an interview with Fox News when he downplayed the role of Nato troops in the war, including British forces. His comments drew condemnation from veterans, politicians, and even Prince Harry, who highlighted the sacrifices made by allied forces.
Initial Remarks Spark International Controversy
During the Fox News interview, Trump said of Nato troops: "We've never needed them. We have never really asked anything of them. They'll say they sent some troops to Afghanistan... and they did, they stayed a little back, a little off the front lines."
The remarks were met with swift backlash. Sir Keir Starmer, the Leader of the Opposition, called Trump's words "insulting and frankly appalling." Families of soldiers who served in Afghanistan, as well as veterans and politicians from across the international spectrum, called for an apology.
Prince Harry, who served two tours in Afghanistan, released a statement emphasizing the importance of respecting the sacrifices made by troops. He pointed out that Nato's collective security clause, Article 5, was invoked for the first and only time following the 9/11 attacks, obligating all allied nations to stand with the US in Afghanistan.
Trump's Reversal and Praise for UK Troops
Following a phone call between Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Trump, the former president posted new comments on his Truth Social platform, appearing to backtrack from his earlier remarks while stopping short of a direct apology.
He wrote: "The great and very brave soldiers of the United Kingdom will always be with the United States of America. In Afghanistan, 457 died, many were badly injured, and they were among the greatest of all warriors. It's a bond too strong to ever be broken. The UK military, with tremendous heart and soul, is second to none (except for the USA). We love you all, and always will!"
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch welcomed Trump's acknowledgment of the UK's role alongside US and Nato allies in Afghanistan. "It should never have been questioned in the first place," she said.
Context: The Long War in Afghanistan
The war in Afghanistan, which began in October 2001, was launched by the US to oust the Taliban, who were accused of harboring al-Qaeda leaders linked to the 9/11 attacks. Nato nations contributed troops and military equipment to the US-led coalition.
More than 3,500 coalition soldiers died in the conflict by the time the US withdrew in 2021, with the UK suffering the second-highest number of fatalities, at 2,461. Most of the British troops who died served in Helmand province, a hotspot of the war.
Prince Harry's Statement and the Cost of War
In his statement, Prince Harry emphasized the shared burden of the conflict. "I served there. I made lifelong friends there. And I lost friends there," he said. "Thousands of lives were changed forever. Mothers and fathers buried sons and daughters. Children were left without a parent. Families are left carrying the cost."
He added, "Those sacrifices deserve to be spoken about truthfully and with respect, as we all remain united and loyal to the defence of diplomacy and peace."
Downing Street's Response
Downing Street confirmed the conversation between Prime Minister Sunak and Trump, stating that the prime minister "raised the brave and heroic British and American soldiers who fought side by side in Afghanistan, many of whom never returned home. We must never forget their sacrifice."
Impact on US-UK Relations
While Trump's reversal may have softened some of the immediate backlash, the incident has highlighted the sensitivity surrounding military service and the importance of honoring the sacrifices of soldiers. The episode also underscores the ongoing complexities in US-UK relations, particularly when it comes to military cooperation and historical conflicts.
As the US and UK continue to navigate their strategic partnership, the lessons of Afghanistan and the sacrifices of their soldiers remain a powerful reminder of the stakes involved in international security and cooperation.
