American military chiefs will resist any further withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan for «electioneering» purposes, it can be disclosed.
US generals have made it clear in private conversations that they would «not allow short term political requirements» lead to more soldiers being removed than the 33,000 being withdrawn next year.
It is understood that President Barack Obama is looking to press on with further cuts to the remaining American force of 68,000 earlier than expected.
Sources in both Kabul and London have suggested that the president wants to announce the withdrawals for «political and financial reasons».
«As part of the re-election campaign and to save the billions it is costing to keep troops in Afghanistan he wants to announce a rapid withdrawal,» a British source said.
Nato officials have also suggested that chances of the remaining American force staying at 68,000 were «marginal at best».
Source: telegraph.co.uk/