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Added on the 05/10/2016 20:43:49 - Copyright : Reuters EN
Last week, US National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien said the US would reduce the number of US troops in Afghanistan from 4,500 down to 2,500 by year's end. O'Brien added that the drawdown would take place, regardless of the conditions on the ground. But on Sunday, America's most senior general publicly pushed back at O'Brien's remarks, calling them 'speculation.' Robert O'Brien, or anyone else, can speculate as they see fit, I am not going to engage in speculation, I'm going to engage in the rigorous analysis of the situation based on the conditions and the plans that I'm aware of in my conversations with the President. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley The mixed messages from the Pentagon and the White House come as the Taliban launched a major military offensive against the Afghan government. The attack prompted US military aircraft to carry out a series of airstrikes against Taliban fighters in recent days.
The White House releases its proposal for the future borders of Israeli and Palestinian states as part of US President Donald Trump's controversial peace plan. The map provided by the White House shows the West Bank area containing some 15 Israeli settlements, connected to the Gaza Strip area by only a tunnel. SOUNDBITE
White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest says Israel's decision to issue tenders for new settlements could undermine peace efforts. Rough Cut (no reporter narration).
Security is tight as pro-Palestinian protesters demonstrate outside the venue of the annual White House Correspondents' Association dinner where President Joe Biden will make what is a traditionally lighthearted address amid protests and boycott calls over the conflict in Gaza. IMAGES
The White House says it had "warned" Iran after President Joe Biden said Tehran was threatening a significant attack on Israel over a strike that destroyed an Iranian consulate building in Damascus. SOUNDBITE