（每日一读）2014年5月高考英语考前突破 阅读理解能力 国际时事要闻 2014年末驻阿富汗美军将剩9800人VIP专享

2014 年末驻阿富汗美军将剩 9800 人The US will keep 9,800 troops in Afghanistan after the US concludes its combat mission at the end of this year, President Barack Obama has said.美国总统奥巴马称，今年 末美国完成在阿富汗的作战任务之后将保留一支 9800 人的部队。 Under the plan he announced at the White House, the US will then gradually withdraw troops until only a small residual force remains after 2016. The remaining troops would guard the US embassy, train Afghan forces and support counter-terrorism operations. But the plan depends on the Afghans signing a joint security agreement. While current Afghan President Hamid Karzai has refused to sign such an agreement, the Obama administration appears to be confident either of the two candidates seeking to replace him would do so. "This year, we will bring America's longest war to its responsible end," Mr Obama said. 'Hard-earned peace' Mr Obama described the timing for the withdrawal:Beginning of 2015: 9,800 troops spread out across AfghanistanEnd of 2015: About half that number, concentrated in Kabul and at nearby Bagram Air BaseEnd of 2016: Fewer than 1,000 troops remain to guard the US embassy, train Afghan troops, and a "security assistance component" "We will no longer patrol Afghan cities and towns, mountains or valleys," Mr Obama said. "That is a task for the Afghan people." The troop numbers Mr Obama announced are largely in line with what military commanders have sought. His announcement indicates the longest war in American history - launched by President George W Bush following the 11 September 2001 al-Qaeda attacks - will end by the time he leaves office.