In a nationally televised speech outlining a shift in U.S. policy after a decade of war, Obama said that after the initial reduction, more troops will be pulled out of Afghanistan at a steady pace as Afghans take over their own security by 2014.
"America, it is time to focus on nation-building here at home," he said.
Obama said the United States is able to remove troops as al Qaeda is under more pressure than at any time since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks that precipitated the war.
He said the United States will join initiatives aimed at reconciling the Afghan people, including the Taliban, as the Afghan government and security forces are strengthened.
"This is the beginning -- but not the end -- of our effort to wind down this war," Obama said, saying huge challenges remain there.
(U.S008/H-AK)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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