WEBVTT 00:00.160 --> 00:01.510 - Thank you very much, sir. 00:02.530 --> 00:07.133 So today's briefing should last approximately 30 minutes. 00:08.270 --> 00:11.510 Today we have Resolute Support Mission, 00:11.510 --> 00:12.880 missions duty commander, 00:12.880 --> 00:16.490 Lieutenant General Richard Cripwell of Great Britain, 00:16.490 --> 00:20.260 to provide an update on RS's train, advise 00:20.260 --> 00:21.610 and assist mission 00:21.610 --> 00:24.913 and with that sir, the floor is yours. 00:29.970 --> 00:31.740 - Well, thank you very much indeed. 00:31.740 --> 00:33.190 Good Morning ladies and gentlemen, 00:33.190 --> 00:34.100 and I should just confirm 00:34.100 --> 00:38.120 that I'm the deputy commander of RS, not the duty commander 00:38.120 --> 00:40.370 I'm not aware that there is such a position. 00:40.370 --> 00:42.540 But I'm privileged today to be representing 00:42.540 --> 00:45.580 the NATO-led Resolute Support mission 00:45.580 --> 00:48.010 and I'm delighted to have the chance to give you an update 00:48.010 --> 00:50.723 on the situation here in Afghanistan. 00:51.620 --> 00:55.100 I know last week that you heard from the US SFAB commander, 00:55.100 --> 00:58.250 Colonel Jackson who gave you a focus on activity 00:58.250 --> 01:00.230 at the tactical level. 01:00.230 --> 01:01.950 My intention is to speak to you 01:01.950 --> 01:04.370 about the ceasefire first of all, 01:04.370 --> 01:06.140 at least to the extent that I can 01:06.140 --> 01:08.730 from a Resolute Support perspective 01:08.730 --> 01:12.650 and then to take the opportunity as a non US officer 01:12.650 --> 01:15.810 to give you an insight into the work of the 39 nation 01:15.810 --> 01:19.800 coalition training, advising and assisting 01:19.800 --> 01:23.420 to ensure that Afghanistan security institutions 01:23.420 --> 01:24.763 are fit for the future. 01:26.050 --> 01:28.720 So turning first to the ceasefire, 01:28.720 --> 01:32.050 we saw some remarkable scenes here over the weekend. 01:32.050 --> 01:34.140 For the first time in a generation, 01:34.140 --> 01:37.420 the government of Afghanistan and the Taliban 01:37.420 --> 01:40.260 participated in a ceasefire over eid, 01:40.260 --> 01:43.340 one that was observed by both sides. 01:43.340 --> 01:45.960 You'll have seen the pictures of Afghan soldiers 01:45.960 --> 01:49.500 and Taliban fighters embracing and shaking hands 01:49.500 --> 01:51.760 and Government representatives 01:51.760 --> 01:54.803 and Taliban leaders was seen praying together. 01:56.380 --> 01:59.240 Although the Taliban ceasefire has now ended 01:59.240 --> 02:00.670 President Ghani's decision 02:00.670 --> 02:02.960 to extend the government ceasefire 02:02.960 --> 02:06.400 and reiterate his offer of unconditional talks 02:06.400 --> 02:09.040 shows just how serious the desire for peace 02:09.040 --> 02:11.360 is here in Afghanistan. 02:11.360 --> 02:14.150 Your own Secretary of State, Secretary Pompeo 02:14.150 --> 02:17.880 was the first declare support for the president's offer. 02:17.880 --> 02:19.880 We are of course disappointed 02:19.880 --> 02:22.760 that the Taliban decided not to continue 02:22.760 --> 02:25.530 and chose instead to return to war, 02:25.530 --> 02:28.730 but we are fully behind the Afghan government 02:28.730 --> 02:30.880 and Resolute Support will continue 02:30.880 --> 02:32.980 to honor the government ceasefire 02:32.980 --> 02:34.633 as long as it endures. 02:36.290 --> 02:39.660 Now to turn to the Resolute Support Mission itself. 02:39.660 --> 02:42.610 You will, I hope be familiar with the three pressures 02:42.610 --> 02:45.100 that president Ghani believes will ultimately 02:45.100 --> 02:47.260 bring the Taliban to the table. 02:47.260 --> 02:49.750 Social pressure, which is clearly growing 02:49.750 --> 02:51.860 in the run up to the election, 02:51.860 --> 02:54.740 diplomatic pressure from NATO, the UN 02:54.740 --> 02:57.430 and the entire international community, 02:57.430 --> 03:01.500 and lastly, military and Resolute Support 03:01.500 --> 03:04.293 is squarely focused on the latter pressure. 03:05.740 --> 03:08.920 But NATO isn't here to do this ourselves. 03:08.920 --> 03:10.500 As I intimated earlier, 03:10.500 --> 03:13.220 our focus is on building capability 03:13.220 --> 03:15.650 to show that the Afghan security forces 03:15.650 --> 03:19.360 can deliver effective targeted military pressure 03:19.360 --> 03:22.560 to protect and secure their population 03:22.560 --> 03:23.890 and to create the conditions 03:23.890 --> 03:27.330 for an inclusive political settlements. 03:27.330 --> 03:30.690 We are doing that through the train advisors system mission 03:30.690 --> 03:34.453 and are supporting our Afghan counterparts at every level. 03:36.150 --> 03:38.240 We're helping at the most senior levels. 03:38.240 --> 03:41.510 What I would like to call institutional development. 03:41.510 --> 03:43.780 We have Resolute Support military advisors 03:43.780 --> 03:46.260 meeting regularly with Afghan leaders 03:46.260 --> 03:49.380 in the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Interior 03:49.380 --> 03:51.660 and the National Security Council 03:51.660 --> 03:55.560 helping to deliver reform to tackle corruption 03:55.560 --> 03:57.070 and to make tough decisions 03:57.070 --> 03:59.363 in the interest of national security. 04:00.970 --> 04:03.140 We are also helping at the structural level 04:03.140 --> 04:05.350 to fundamentally redesign 04:05.350 --> 04:08.140 and to produce a different sort of army 04:08.140 --> 04:11.400 one that is capable, one that is professional 04:11.400 --> 04:12.370 and in the long run 04:12.370 --> 04:15.760 one that is affordable for the Afghan government. 04:15.760 --> 04:18.060 With support from Resolute Support 04:18.060 --> 04:21.360 old leaders have been retired in place and replaced 04:21.360 --> 04:24.100 with younger more capable officers, 04:24.100 --> 04:27.670 promoted on merit and rigorously held to account 04:27.670 --> 04:29.233 for their leadership ability. 04:30.120 --> 04:32.440 My own country, the United Kingdom, 04:32.440 --> 04:36.000 along with Denmark, Australia, and New Zealand 04:36.000 --> 04:37.860 oversee for example, the training 04:37.860 --> 04:42.860 of over a thousand new officers, male and female per year 04:42.890 --> 04:46.163 at the Afghan National of Army's officer Academy, 04:47.460 --> 04:49.940 and then finally, as you heard last week, 04:49.940 --> 04:52.220 we're also helping at the tactical level 04:52.220 --> 04:55.890 supporting the ANDSF on the ground. 04:55.890 --> 04:59.290 You heard about the impact the SFAB has, as I said, 04:59.290 --> 05:02.100 but we are also mentoring the Afghan air force 05:02.100 --> 05:03.880 which is becoming more capable 05:03.880 --> 05:06.050 and more professional by the day 05:06.050 --> 05:09.393 providing support to the Afghan ground forces. 05:10.720 --> 05:13.450 Our seven Resolute Support commands 05:13.450 --> 05:15.480 four of them led by the US 05:15.480 --> 05:19.670 and the remaining three by Germany, Italy, and Turkey. 05:19.670 --> 05:22.660 Provide the same mentorship at the core level, 05:22.660 --> 05:26.890 ensuring the best possible leadership and decision making. 05:26.890 --> 05:28.660 I've seen for myself how resilient 05:28.660 --> 05:30.800 the security forces now are, 05:30.800 --> 05:32.850 despite the challenging circumstances 05:32.850 --> 05:34.810 they find themselves in. 05:34.810 --> 05:37.620 So far this year, they have defended over 80% 05:37.620 --> 05:40.630 of the district centers attacked by the enemy. 05:40.630 --> 05:42.740 They're getting better all the time 05:42.740 --> 05:45.590 they are more resilient and at the highest levels, 05:45.590 --> 05:48.233 they are clear on how they see their future. 05:49.990 --> 05:52.730 All of this is delivered through a true team effort 05:52.730 --> 05:55.590 in a coalition of 39 nations. 05:55.590 --> 05:58.630 Even the newest member of NATO Montenegro 05:58.630 --> 06:00.420 assists with the protection of advisors 06:00.420 --> 06:04.420 in the north of the country and has done for many years. 06:04.420 --> 06:06.120 I clearly don't have time this morning 06:06.120 --> 06:08.460 to mention every ally and partner, 06:08.460 --> 06:10.840 but the collective effort is considerable 06:10.840 --> 06:14.700 enduring and beneficial to the long-term development 06:14.700 --> 06:16.600 of government institutions 06:16.600 --> 06:18.763 and the security forces themselves. 06:20.950 --> 06:23.050 Right now I truly believe 06:23.050 --> 06:25.010 that we stand on the edge of opportunity 06:25.010 --> 06:26.890 here in Afghanistan. 06:26.890 --> 06:29.490 There are clear signs of change. 06:29.490 --> 06:33.890 We've seen the first eid ceasefire since 2001. 06:33.890 --> 06:37.940 The security forces army and police are more capable, 06:37.940 --> 06:42.430 more professional, and are better led than ever before. 06:42.430 --> 06:45.130 The country is preparing for national parliamentary 06:45.130 --> 06:47.640 and next year presidential elections, 06:47.640 --> 06:51.020 which in turn will give a clear voice to the Afghan people 06:51.020 --> 06:53.263 who are clearly committed to peace. 06:54.280 --> 06:58.820 International support for Resolute Support remained strong. 06:58.820 --> 07:02.380 NATO is increasing the mission by 3000 troops this year 07:03.250 --> 07:06.300 and the NATO summit in Brussels in three weeks time 07:06.300 --> 07:09.010 will be the opportunity to again publicly declared 07:09.010 --> 07:11.990 the long-term commitment of the coalition 07:11.990 --> 07:15.370 in both funding and in military capability 07:15.370 --> 07:16.963 to the future of this mission. 07:18.090 --> 07:20.400 I firmly believe that the continued commitment 07:20.400 --> 07:24.800 of all 39 nations in concert with the South Asia strategy 07:24.800 --> 07:27.490 is working, but it is also clear 07:27.490 --> 07:29.403 that we have to stay the course. 07:32.280 --> 07:35.580 Provide some sense of the work that the coalition is doing, 07:35.580 --> 07:39.120 perhaps on a more broad level than you've heard before. 07:39.120 --> 07:40.930 We are clear that Resolute Support 07:40.930 --> 07:44.600 is here to help the Afghans to deliver the military pressure 07:44.600 --> 07:47.410 that brings the Taliban to the table. 07:47.410 --> 07:49.890 The ways in which we do that are varied 07:49.890 --> 07:52.370 through institutional development, 07:52.370 --> 07:55.440 through our advisors to the Afghan government, 07:55.440 --> 07:57.100 through our assistance to reforming 07:57.100 --> 07:59.380 the Afghan police and army 07:59.380 --> 08:01.830 and right down to tactical advice and 08:01.830 --> 08:04.750 support from our troops to the field. 08:04.750 --> 08:07.410 We all believe here the Afghanistan 08:07.410 --> 08:11.200 and all of its citizens deserve security 08:11.200 --> 08:12.390 and a lasting peace 08:12.390 --> 08:14.290 and with that, ladies and gentlemen, 08:14.290 --> 08:16.640 I'm very happy to take your questions. 08:16.640 --> 08:18.060 All right, so ladies and gentlemen, 08:18.060 --> 08:20.710 before we get started for questions 08:20.710 --> 08:23.490 please provide full name and your agency 08:23.490 --> 08:27.110 will allow everyone to have up to two follow-ups 08:27.110 --> 08:28.670 for each questions. 08:28.670 --> 08:33.090 And the first one we'll bring it up for (mumbling) 08:33.090 --> 08:35.311 - Sure, Idris from Reuters here. 08:35.311 --> 08:37.733 Question about the ceasefire. 08:38.730 --> 08:43.120 Now that the obviously carried out an attack, 08:43.120 --> 08:44.390 do you still seem optimistic 08:44.390 --> 08:47.060 that it could work in the future. 08:47.060 --> 08:49.610 Do you expect the Taliban sort of come back to the table 08:49.610 --> 08:51.800 or I mean how do you see this playing out 08:51.800 --> 08:54.850 because the optimism is there, but I'm not seeing 08:54.850 --> 08:56.960 the Taliban reengaging in any way 08:56.960 --> 08:58.910 in any sort of ceasefire in the future? 09:03.520 --> 09:06.240 - And thanks very much indeed for that question. 09:06.240 --> 09:08.140 As to what can happen in the future 09:08.140 --> 09:10.780 clearly I don't have a crystal ball for that, 09:10.780 --> 09:14.080 but I cannot understate the sense of optimism 09:14.080 --> 09:16.460 that is in the country at the moment. 09:16.460 --> 09:19.120 The president made an extraordinarily 09:19.120 --> 09:22.623 courageous statement of ceasefire before eid 09:23.550 --> 09:26.350 that was matched by, in a sense 09:26.350 --> 09:28.480 their own statement from the Taliban 09:28.480 --> 09:30.070 and the scenes here in Kabul 09:30.070 --> 09:32.540 would certainly give anybody a hope 09:32.540 --> 09:36.830 that the ceasefire is possible in the future. 09:36.830 --> 09:38.570 - Right, but the scenes in western of Afghanistan 09:38.570 --> 09:40.750 I think where 30 soldiers were killed 09:40.750 --> 09:43.970 would probably sort of shattered that optimism. 09:43.970 --> 09:46.270 What is your optimism based on 09:46.270 --> 09:48.170 other than this three days ceasefire, 09:48.170 --> 09:49.520 is there anything else beyond that 09:49.520 --> 09:51.993 that sort of gives you a sense of optimism? 09:55.800 --> 09:58.670 - I think it's not just the ceasefire, 09:58.670 --> 10:01.210 but the manner which it played out over the weekend, 10:01.210 --> 10:03.260 it really was extraordinary 10:03.260 --> 10:07.000 to see the Taliban laying down their weapons 10:07.000 --> 10:08.420 coming into Kabul 10:09.300 --> 10:12.090 intermingling with the security forces. 10:12.090 --> 10:14.230 We know that they were governor's 10:14.230 --> 10:18.400 going to prayers with Taliban leaders. 10:18.400 --> 10:21.450 These things would have been unimaginable only a week ago 10:21.450 --> 10:22.713 and I think it seems like that, 10:22.713 --> 10:25.497 that give us optimism for the future. 10:25.497 --> 10:26.650 (mumbling) 10:26.650 --> 10:29.410 - I think there was a story out of the region 10:29.410 --> 10:31.510 that we did citing officials saying 10:31.510 --> 10:33.230 they were actually concerned that the Taliban 10:33.230 --> 10:35.200 coming into the centers and the cities 10:35.200 --> 10:38.100 have given them an opportunity to scope out targets 10:38.100 --> 10:41.080 and it was actually, that's why they were in the cities. 10:41.080 --> 10:43.930 Have you seen any sort of intelligence reporting on that? 10:48.490 --> 10:51.466 - No, I've seen no reporting on. 10:51.466 --> 10:54.160 Yeah, I've seen the reports in the media and so on 10:54.160 --> 10:57.730 but I've seen no reports of military-like activity. 10:57.730 --> 11:01.740 I candidly, the Taliban that came into Kabul on Saturday 11:01.740 --> 11:05.000 seems to be more focused on taking selfies, 11:05.000 --> 11:07.530 going to the barber, buying ice cream 11:07.530 --> 11:08.530 and things like that. 11:08.530 --> 11:11.483 I saw no evidence of any other military activity. 11:12.490 --> 11:14.160 - All right, for the next question 11:14.160 --> 11:16.353 we'll go to a Military Times. 11:17.400 --> 11:19.520 - Thank you Tara Copp, Military Times. 11:19.520 --> 11:21.593 Just to follow up on Idris' question, 11:23.260 --> 11:28.080 how can the Taliban be serious about your sense of optimism 11:28.080 --> 11:29.920 you know, if they follow up immediately 11:29.920 --> 11:31.030 with this type of attack, 11:31.030 --> 11:33.373 how do you balance those two statements? 11:38.010 --> 11:41.050 - I'm not going to speak to the Taliban sense of optimism 11:41.050 --> 11:41.883 or anything else. 11:41.883 --> 11:43.730 All I can tell you is what I see. 11:43.730 --> 11:45.940 I see enormously courageous steps 11:45.940 --> 11:48.760 taken by the government of Afghanistan 11:48.760 --> 11:51.150 to bring about a peace in their country 11:51.150 --> 11:53.400 and one which we are fully supportive. 11:53.400 --> 11:55.533 What the Taliban did is a matter for them. 11:55.533 --> 11:58.097 - Okay, and then as a follow up, 11:58.097 --> 12:01.580 you know, with the NATO summit coming in a matter of weeks, 12:01.580 --> 12:06.030 you described this time as the edge of opportunity. 12:06.030 --> 12:09.610 What additional things do the NATO contributing nations 12:09.610 --> 12:13.410 need to do militarily to make this edge different 12:13.410 --> 12:16.603 than other times of optimism over the last 17 years? 12:21.100 --> 12:24.550 - I don't think, we need to do anything differently. 12:24.550 --> 12:28.340 I think that the mission that Resolute Support has, 12:28.340 --> 12:29.770 has been the critical factor 12:29.770 --> 12:31.690 in bringing about a ceasefire. 12:31.690 --> 12:35.533 Our job here is to build up the capability of Afghan forces. 12:36.380 --> 12:38.420 Chairman Dunford just as one 12:38.420 --> 12:40.080 has stated that the forces are here 12:40.080 --> 12:41.870 that are required to do the job. 12:41.870 --> 12:43.420 And our job here is to make sure that 12:43.420 --> 12:45.515 we continue to do the work 12:45.515 --> 12:49.170 this coalition has continued to do for many years, 12:49.170 --> 12:51.380 and which is clearly brought the 12:51.380 --> 12:53.250 an extra sense of professionalism 12:53.250 --> 12:55.713 and resilience to the security forces. 12:56.970 --> 12:59.240 - At the last follow up so going into the summit, 12:59.240 --> 13:01.750 there wouldn't be any additional asks or requests 13:01.750 --> 13:04.340 for resources you need or personnel 13:04.340 --> 13:06.463 or a type of military capability? 13:11.540 --> 13:15.660 - Well, I'm not going to pass any requests to the summit 13:15.660 --> 13:16.980 through this medium. 13:16.980 --> 13:18.640 It is a matter for the command is here 13:18.640 --> 13:21.410 to make their recommendations to the military leaders 13:21.410 --> 13:23.990 and I'll leave it up to the, the leaders at the summit 13:23.990 --> 13:26.910 to decide how they can best support the mission. 13:26.910 --> 13:29.823 - All right, with that, we'll move forward to AP. 13:31.650 --> 13:32.483 - Thank you General, 13:32.483 --> 13:34.520 it is Bob Burns with Associated Press. 13:34.520 --> 13:36.530 I wonder if you think there's merit to the argument 13:36.530 --> 13:39.670 that the Afghan government ceasefire 13:39.670 --> 13:42.263 now that the Taliban is not participating, 13:43.120 --> 13:46.350 simply gives time and space for the Taliban to regroup 13:46.350 --> 13:48.803 and to regain a military advantage. 13:54.230 --> 13:55.460 - Well, thanks very much indeed. 13:55.460 --> 13:57.000 As I said, it might be remote. 13:57.000 --> 14:00.710 It's clearly disappointing that the Taliban have decided 14:00.710 --> 14:02.870 not to extend their ceasefire 14:02.870 --> 14:05.730 but the fact remains nothing in the president's ceasefire 14:05.730 --> 14:10.250 means that the security forces cannot act in self-defense 14:10.250 --> 14:13.660 and that they can't act to stop any military activity. 14:13.660 --> 14:16.930 They are not defenseless as a result of their ceasefire 14:16.930 --> 14:18.190 in any way. 14:18.190 --> 14:21.740 And if the Taliban choose to carry out military activity 14:21.740 --> 14:24.273 the Afghan security forces are going to stop it. 14:25.400 --> 14:26.600 - As a follow-up general. 14:26.600 --> 14:29.420 The argument recently prior to the ceasefire 14:29.420 --> 14:31.860 was that what are the major differences 14:32.770 --> 14:35.420 recently wasn't the Afghans were on the offensive 14:35.420 --> 14:37.993 and that this was a major change. 14:38.940 --> 14:42.088 Now they're not on the offensive almost by definition 14:42.088 --> 14:43.330 with a cease-fire. 14:43.330 --> 14:45.770 So it doesn't that, isn't that a setback in some sense 14:45.770 --> 14:48.363 for the equation with the Taliban? 14:53.150 --> 14:54.800 - No, I don't, I don't think it is. 14:54.800 --> 14:57.570 I mean, as I said, military pressure is also 14:57.570 --> 14:58.790 just one of the pressures 14:58.790 --> 15:01.230 that are being applied to the Taliban. 15:01.230 --> 15:03.870 It is clear from events over the weekend 15:03.870 --> 15:06.390 from the peace marches, from the peace movement 15:06.390 --> 15:09.667 that there is a growing social pressure against the Taliban 15:09.667 --> 15:12.290 and the scenes that we saw over the weekend 15:12.290 --> 15:14.000 are further evidence of that. 15:14.000 --> 15:16.620 There has been an extraordinary outpouring of support 15:16.620 --> 15:19.380 from around the world and particularly around the region 15:19.380 --> 15:21.230 in support of the ceasefire. 15:21.230 --> 15:24.250 And I certainly don't see the Afghan security forces 15:24.250 --> 15:26.820 at a disadvantage because their presence 15:26.820 --> 15:29.630 has taken the courageous move to declare a ceasefire. 15:29.630 --> 15:33.360 As I say, they retain as we do the right of self-defense 15:33.360 --> 15:36.270 and they retained the rights to stop military activity 15:36.270 --> 15:37.470 as and when they see it. 15:38.351 --> 15:39.184 - Right. 15:39.184 --> 15:42.713 With that, now we'll go on to our next question for NBC. 15:45.770 --> 15:46.603 No. 15:49.360 --> 15:51.910 - Thank you, sir, for doing this today. 15:51.910 --> 15:56.910 What's your sense of where the Afghan government. 15:57.020 --> 15:59.850 what's their feeling towards the after the, 15:59.850 --> 16:04.173 the Taliban stop the ceasefire? 16:09.720 --> 16:10.650 - Thanks for the question, 16:10.650 --> 16:12.530 but I'm afraid you're gonna have 16:12.530 --> 16:15.280 to ask the Afghan government that question. 16:15.280 --> 16:17.790 Clearly, there is a huge sense of achievement 16:17.790 --> 16:20.510 in the government over what was achieved for the weekend, 16:20.510 --> 16:22.070 but as for their reaction since then, 16:22.070 --> 16:23.740 you're gonna have to put that to the government 16:23.740 --> 16:25.403 information spokesman. 16:29.910 --> 16:31.240 - No other follow-up with that. 16:31.240 --> 16:32.490 Go ahead, sir. - I'm sorry. 16:32.490 --> 16:35.390 It's Jamie McIntyre with the Washington Examiner. 16:35.390 --> 16:37.440 Those of us who've been around long enough 16:37.440 --> 16:40.790 remember 50 years ago when the United States, 16:40.790 --> 16:43.100 strategy in Vietnam was to inflict 16:43.100 --> 16:44.740 so much pain on the Viet Cong 16:44.740 --> 16:48.430 that they would be driven to the peace table. 16:48.430 --> 16:52.040 Ultimately, the US discovered there was no amount of pain 16:52.040 --> 16:53.510 that they could inflict that would 16:53.510 --> 16:55.550 break the will of the Viet Cong. 16:55.550 --> 16:58.050 Now we see the strategy that you're talking about, 16:58.050 --> 17:01.590 about putting military pressure on the Taliban. 17:01.590 --> 17:03.070 What signs do you see? 17:03.070 --> 17:05.610 What evidence do you have that the Taliban 17:05.610 --> 17:08.420 is going to be susceptible to that pressure 17:08.420 --> 17:12.283 that it will in fact change the dynamic? 17:17.540 --> 17:18.676 - Well, thanks for the question. 17:18.676 --> 17:20.177 of the, 17:20.177 --> 17:23.050 I think the signs have been carrying for the last few years. 17:23.050 --> 17:24.930 The NATO Resolute Support Mission 17:24.930 --> 17:27.290 through train, advise and assist 17:27.290 --> 17:31.213 has been developing the capability of the security forces. 17:32.340 --> 17:35.050 They, as I said in my earlier remarks, 17:35.050 --> 17:36.600 the army's more resilient. 17:36.600 --> 17:38.830 It is better lead, it is better equipped, 17:38.830 --> 17:41.050 it is more professional. 17:41.050 --> 17:44.940 The Afghan air force is growing at a significant rate 17:44.940 --> 17:46.820 and as you'll be aware from comments 17:46.820 --> 17:48.150 that General Nicholson has made, 17:48.150 --> 17:50.420 the commando's have doubled in size. 17:50.420 --> 17:52.630 This is the force that insured last year 17:52.630 --> 17:53.840 that the Taliban achieved 17:53.840 --> 17:56.230 none of their strategic objectives. 17:56.230 --> 17:59.120 And this is the force that has brought the Taliban 17:59.120 --> 18:00.820 to a ceasefire this year. 18:00.820 --> 18:03.770 I have great faith in the Afghan forces 18:03.770 --> 18:07.180 and I can see from the work that we do with them, 18:07.180 --> 18:09.580 just how much better they are getting all the time. 18:09.580 --> 18:10.780 This is their fight. 18:10.780 --> 18:12.890 I'm not going to comment on American strategies 18:12.890 --> 18:14.040 from the past. 18:14.040 --> 18:15.800 We are supporting a nation 18:15.800 --> 18:17.450 that wishes to fight its enemies 18:17.450 --> 18:20.450 and this is their fight and their strategy. 18:20.450 --> 18:21.580 - If I can just follow up, 18:21.580 --> 18:25.160 it may be that the Afghan forces are more capable 18:25.160 --> 18:28.640 and are able to conduct more effective operations, 18:28.640 --> 18:32.450 but what evidence is there that the Taliban isn't just ready 18:32.450 --> 18:34.540 and willing to just keep fighting 18:34.540 --> 18:37.130 indefinitely as it has in the past, 18:37.130 --> 18:40.660 whether or not it's winning a tactical victories 18:40.660 --> 18:41.643 on the battlefield? 18:45.770 --> 18:48.510 - I think the Taliban statements themselves this year 18:48.510 --> 18:50.070 point to the fact that they are looking 18:50.070 --> 18:51.840 for a different outcome than just fighting 18:51.840 --> 18:53.360 for the rest of the year. 18:53.360 --> 18:55.990 Over the years their letter to the people of America 18:55.990 --> 18:58.110 in February of this year, 18:58.110 --> 19:00.990 the wording of the (mumbling) 19:00.990 --> 19:03.020 announcement at the start of the fighting season 19:03.020 --> 19:04.813 makes it clear that they wish 19:04.813 --> 19:07.313 to an end to this war as well. 19:08.700 --> 19:11.587 - With that, we'll go on for an Anecdotal. 19:12.870 --> 19:14.348 - General, thanks for doing this 19:14.348 --> 19:18.390 (mumbling) 19:18.390 --> 19:20.190 As much as you know, 19:20.190 --> 19:23.610 does the Afghan government speak to Taliban 19:23.610 --> 19:25.070 as a whole organization 19:25.070 --> 19:28.340 or they are speaking with different factions 19:28.340 --> 19:30.740 within the Taliban separately 19:30.740 --> 19:33.167 because we hear that some of the violations 19:33.167 --> 19:35.363 continues despite these talks. 19:40.940 --> 19:42.630 - Thank you very much indeed for the question. 19:42.630 --> 19:45.240 I have no idea whether the government of Afghanistan 19:45.240 --> 19:47.010 is talking to the Taliban. 19:47.010 --> 19:50.213 I really can't add any more than that I just don't know. 19:53.120 --> 19:55.210 - For our next question, we're going to Fox, 19:55.210 --> 19:57.310 - Hi, General. - Lucas Tomlinson, Fox News. 19:57.310 --> 19:59.200 Just to follow up on Bob's question, 19:59.200 --> 20:01.230 can you rule out that the Taliban 20:01.230 --> 20:04.670 used this three days ceasefire to restage 20:04.670 --> 20:07.393 their operations and launch this attack in Badghis? 20:12.640 --> 20:13.473 - Lucas 20:14.627 --> 20:17.240 It's kinda go back to the answer I gave before 20:17.240 --> 20:21.320 I seen a no suggestion that the Taliban were using 20:21.320 --> 20:25.010 the eid ceasefire to in some way improve 20:25.010 --> 20:27.333 or redistribute their military capability. 20:28.720 --> 20:30.250 - Yesterday on Capitol Hill, 20:30.250 --> 20:32.540 a US senator, Elizabeth Warren said 20:32.540 --> 20:36.550 that there've been so many statements by American generals 20:36.550 --> 20:38.090 over the years about turning the corner 20:38.090 --> 20:40.660 or as you said today this edge of opportunity 20:40.660 --> 20:43.170 that the policy is going in circles 20:43.170 --> 20:46.163 can you respond to that comment General? 20:51.600 --> 20:52.520 - Thanks for the question, 20:52.520 --> 20:54.850 but I'm very happy that General Miller 20:54.850 --> 20:58.873 responded to that question at the armed services hearing. 21:00.670 --> 21:03.120 - And with that, we'll go on CNN 21:03.120 --> 21:06.036 and then we'll go on Wall Street Journal. 21:06.036 --> 21:07.840 - General (mumbling) 21:07.840 --> 21:09.210 Thank you for doing this. 21:09.210 --> 21:10.220 I did have a question. 21:10.220 --> 21:12.840 You mentioned how the increased resiliency 21:12.840 --> 21:15.270 of the ANA and you talked a little bit 21:15.270 --> 21:17.230 how they're being better lead. 21:17.230 --> 21:18.690 Can you, are there any metrics 21:18.690 --> 21:20.330 that you could talk a little bit about 21:20.330 --> 21:21.610 what makes you see these, 21:21.610 --> 21:23.290 what improvements you're actually seeing, 21:23.290 --> 21:26.500 I mean, this, the attrition rate seems pretty high 21:26.500 --> 21:29.670 still in this recent attack reports of 30. 21:29.670 --> 21:32.610 So what, what are some of the metrics you're seeing? 21:32.610 --> 21:33.490 And in, in addition to that, 21:33.490 --> 21:35.980 I think I heard you say the commandos had been doubled, 21:35.980 --> 21:37.660 but that's planned to double that, right? 21:37.660 --> 21:39.690 They actually haven't been doubled at this time. 21:39.690 --> 21:40.523 Thank you. 21:44.557 --> 21:47.810 - Thanks and you're absolutely right. 21:47.810 --> 21:49.590 I'm glad to have the chance to clear that up 21:49.590 --> 21:52.350 the plan is to double the commandos. 21:52.350 --> 21:54.940 As for the resilience, 21:54.940 --> 21:59.000 as I mentioned in my opening statement over 80%, 21:59.000 --> 22:02.260 80% of attacks on district centers have been pushed back, 22:02.260 --> 22:04.990 we saw earlier this year and last year 22:04.990 --> 22:08.470 just how more resilient the army has been, 22:08.470 --> 22:11.480 but I don't deny that the level of casualties 22:11.480 --> 22:12.560 in the army is worrying, 22:12.560 --> 22:15.310 General Nicholson has spoke to this in the past 22:15.310 --> 22:18.100 and we remained keen in particular 22:18.100 --> 22:23.100 to change the tactic of the Afghan army 22:23.100 --> 22:24.930 and their reliance on checkpoints, 22:24.930 --> 22:27.340 which is as much a social issue is 22:27.340 --> 22:29.150 as it is a military issue. 22:29.150 --> 22:32.190 As for the metrics to judge leadership, 22:32.190 --> 22:33.690 if you like 22:33.690 --> 22:36.350 those are, those are many and various 22:36.350 --> 22:39.320 but we go to significant lengths 22:39.320 --> 22:41.900 to make sure that the army, 22:41.900 --> 22:45.340 particularly these days are selecting officers on merit 22:45.340 --> 22:48.520 who have proven themselves at lower ranks in the field 22:48.520 --> 22:51.120 to make sure that they are being trained 22:51.120 --> 22:53.940 as the best of our ability in leadership 22:53.940 --> 22:58.150 and in command, and we see those results in the field. 22:58.150 --> 23:02.020 - And have you seen any decrease in the casualty rates 23:03.390 --> 23:05.870 since this new strategy has kind of been unveiled 23:05.870 --> 23:08.800 as the and more advisors are going to the Kandak level 23:08.800 --> 23:09.633 and the brigade level. 23:09.633 --> 23:13.070 Have you seen any effect on the number of casualties 23:13.070 --> 23:15.903 being suffered by the ANA or ANP also? 23:20.710 --> 23:22.630 - Honestly I don't have the, 23:22.630 --> 23:25.100 I don't have the detail of that. 23:25.100 --> 23:29.170 Clearly the Afghan forces are being much more offensive 23:29.170 --> 23:30.640 than they have been in the past. 23:30.640 --> 23:35.640 All seven course are engaged in operations now 23:35.760 --> 23:37.960 that brigades routinely 23:37.960 --> 23:40.330 or they have three of their four brigades 23:40.330 --> 23:42.230 engaged in operations. 23:42.230 --> 23:43.400 It's just the nature of war 23:43.400 --> 23:45.730 that there will be casualties as a result of that action. 23:45.730 --> 23:47.360 but I don't have any details 23:47.360 --> 23:48.280 - Thank you. 23:48.280 --> 23:50.170 - With that Wall Street Journal. 23:50.170 --> 23:51.290 - Hi, General, how are you? 23:51.290 --> 23:53.340 It's Gordon from the Wall Street Journal, 23:55.060 --> 23:58.090 we've been hearing a lot about peace talks 23:58.090 --> 23:59.240 and reconciliation. 23:59.240 --> 24:01.090 I wonder if you could expand a little bit 24:01.090 --> 24:04.840 on how you characterize where that is, 24:04.840 --> 24:08.213 assuming it's still kind of in its nascency. 24:09.290 --> 24:13.350 And also could you talk to us about 24:14.550 --> 24:16.590 the idea of American, 24:16.590 --> 24:19.290 of the, about the US leading 24:19.290 --> 24:21.430 direct negotiations with the Taliban 24:21.430 --> 24:23.430 which, you know, up until now 24:23.430 --> 24:25.623 I'd always been an Afghan led affair. 24:30.980 --> 24:31.950 - Yeah, good morning, Gordon. 24:31.950 --> 24:33.810 Good to hear from you. 24:33.810 --> 24:37.250 I'll tackle the second one first because 24:37.250 --> 24:38.650 which I can do very simply 24:38.650 --> 24:41.440 because it would simply be inappropriate of me 24:41.440 --> 24:45.700 to discuss what the United States may or may not do. 24:45.700 --> 24:49.030 I don't wish to be a swerving away from the question, 24:49.030 --> 24:52.490 but it's simply not a for me to talk about that. 24:52.490 --> 24:54.440 As for talks and reconciliation, 24:54.440 --> 24:56.110 as I said to one of your colleagues earlier, 24:56.110 --> 24:59.710 I'm not aware of the government talking to the Taliban, 24:59.710 --> 25:02.420 but we have seen through the course of this year 25:02.420 --> 25:03.873 and last year, 25:05.000 --> 25:07.090 individuals and groups of Taliban 25:07.090 --> 25:09.550 who are seeking to reconcile 25:09.550 --> 25:11.110 that's all over the country. 25:11.110 --> 25:13.790 But I particularly note in the West 25:13.790 --> 25:18.790 in Herat and in Badghis we have seen a groups of Taliban 25:20.060 --> 25:22.100 who have been coming in 25:22.100 --> 25:24.300 who want to reconcile with the government 25:24.300 --> 25:25.580 and with the governors. 25:25.580 --> 25:28.890 And I think the way in which that process is happening 25:28.890 --> 25:31.840 provides a model for the rest of the country. 25:31.840 --> 25:34.943 - Is that though onesies, twosies, 25:34.943 --> 25:37.120 just kind of an interesting development, 25:37.120 --> 25:40.320 or do you think that there is like 25:40.320 --> 25:44.543 the beginning of what could be some momentum on that front? 25:49.870 --> 25:53.150 - There's certainly, I think, momentum over in the West, 25:53.150 --> 25:55.650 not withstanding that recent attacks. 25:55.650 --> 25:58.080 I think there is momentum over there. 25:58.080 --> 26:00.123 I would imagine that as a result of the scenes 26:00.123 --> 26:01.900 over the weekend, there are questions 26:01.900 --> 26:04.020 being asked in the Taliban, 26:04.020 --> 26:06.830 about asking themselves the same questions. 26:06.830 --> 26:09.760 I'm not going to overplay what's happening in the west, 26:09.760 --> 26:13.250 but it is clear whether people are reconciling 26:13.250 --> 26:15.780 or whether they are investigating 26:15.780 --> 26:20.093 the possibility of that is clear that there is a movement. 26:21.420 --> 26:24.460 Over the weekend we (mumbling) 26:25.650 --> 26:27.970 and security (mumbling) 26:27.970 --> 26:30.410 Taliban leaders have been having discussions 26:30.410 --> 26:33.460 and continue to do so with governors. 26:33.460 --> 26:35.170 So I think this is, 26:35.170 --> 26:37.550 I wouldn't overplay what's happening in the west, 26:37.550 --> 26:39.383 but I do think it started something. 26:40.940 --> 26:42.810 - But there's no way to kind of quantify it 26:42.810 --> 26:45.780 or characterize it in a way that would 26:45.780 --> 26:49.030 help kind of better help us to better understand 26:49.030 --> 26:53.703 kind of the nature of it, is there? 26:59.010 --> 27:00.640 - Unfortunately, I don't think there is a better way 27:00.640 --> 27:01.473 to characterize it. 27:01.473 --> 27:04.040 This isn't a movement, but it is clear 27:04.040 --> 27:05.830 that is something that is being discussed 27:05.830 --> 27:07.730 and in some cases is happening 27:07.730 --> 27:09.640 and we'll continue to monitor that 27:09.640 --> 27:11.960 and continue to look to the Afghan government 27:11.960 --> 27:14.120 to support that process. 27:14.120 --> 27:15.470 - Sir. 27:15.470 --> 27:19.080 - Hi, sir, Jim Garamone with the DoD News. 27:19.080 --> 27:20.720 We talk about the Taliban 27:20.720 --> 27:24.030 or all, many people talk about the Taliban 27:24.030 --> 27:28.110 as if it's some sort of a monolithic organization. 27:28.110 --> 27:29.530 It's more confederacy. 27:29.530 --> 27:32.320 And I'm wondering if there is a difference 27:32.320 --> 27:36.100 among these groups throughout the region 27:36.100 --> 27:39.400 and if it would be possible to perhaps 27:39.400 --> 27:42.310 get some of these groups in other areas 27:43.410 --> 27:48.130 more apt to discuss a reconciliation 27:48.130 --> 27:49.890 than another's. 27:49.890 --> 27:52.213 You're is, what's your take on it? 27:56.940 --> 27:58.490 - Jim, thanks for the question. 27:59.430 --> 28:01.670 I hear your premise 28:01.670 --> 28:06.020 and it's clear from the way in which the Taliban 28:06.020 --> 28:10.500 started their ceasefire that the organization as a whole 28:10.500 --> 28:12.680 clearly accepted the direction 28:12.680 --> 28:14.830 that they were given by their leadership. 28:14.830 --> 28:16.003 As I said, as I. 28:21.170 --> 28:23.340 The Taliban around the country 28:23.340 --> 28:27.090 or exploring ways in which to move forward 28:27.090 --> 28:28.020 from that ceasefire. 28:28.020 --> 28:30.110 So in that sense, I guess you could say 28:30.110 --> 28:34.343 that there is a disparate nature to the organization. 28:36.170 --> 28:37.620 - Jim, you're good with that? 28:38.670 --> 28:41.040 - And so we've got time for one final question. 28:41.040 --> 28:41.960 Gotcha. 28:41.960 --> 28:43.626 - Thank you. General, thanks very much for doing this. 28:43.626 --> 28:45.450 Chip Sylvan from VOA. 28:45.450 --> 28:47.970 You mentioned how some Taliban were, 28:47.970 --> 28:49.420 are exploring and more open 28:49.420 --> 28:52.400 to the possibility of reconciliation. 28:52.400 --> 28:54.320 We heard several months ago from Afghan officials 28:54.320 --> 28:56.690 that Taliban leadership was actively 28:56.690 --> 28:58.990 trying to do things to prevent that. 28:58.990 --> 29:00.780 How strong has that snapped back been, 29:00.780 --> 29:02.790 had there've been more reports of 29:02.790 --> 29:05.210 families of Taliban fighters or commander 29:05.210 --> 29:07.360 is being held hostage essentially. 29:07.360 --> 29:09.590 And also to what extent, 29:09.590 --> 29:10.710 you mentioned the optimism, 29:10.710 --> 29:12.290 but to what extent is 29:12.290 --> 29:13.920 are the other efforts that are necessary, 29:13.920 --> 29:16.220 the diplomatic efforts, some of the other efforts 29:16.220 --> 29:18.100 that go along with the military, 29:18.100 --> 29:20.630 keeping pace with what you've been able to achieve 29:20.630 --> 29:22.330 militarily with the Afghan forces. 29:27.580 --> 29:28.480 - Thanks for that. 29:29.710 --> 29:30.950 As for a snack pack, 29:30.950 --> 29:33.430 I don't think I can talk to that, 29:33.430 --> 29:37.510 but clearly between the events of Saturday 29:37.510 --> 29:40.310 that we saw all over the country 29:40.310 --> 29:43.030 and to the fact that that was significantly reduced 29:43.030 --> 29:45.530 on the Sunday suggests that 29:45.530 --> 29:50.460 at least somebody wasn't keen to see Taliban fighters 29:50.460 --> 29:53.483 taking selfies and eating ice cream in Kabul. 29:54.410 --> 29:58.200 More broadly, I think diplomatic pressure 29:58.200 --> 30:01.560 and social pressure is hugely important. 30:01.560 --> 30:05.040 I think the speed with which secretary Pompeo 30:05.040 --> 30:08.410 came out in support of the extension of the ceasefire 30:09.300 --> 30:11.390 the other night it was hugely important. 30:11.390 --> 30:14.530 I think the way in which countries in the region 30:14.530 --> 30:17.750 which the United Nations and other organizations 30:17.750 --> 30:20.860 have demonstrated their support for the actions 30:20.860 --> 30:22.700 that the government has taken. 30:22.700 --> 30:25.350 And just to reinforce the social pressure. 30:25.350 --> 30:28.440 It is clear again from around the country 30:28.440 --> 30:30.980 how people embrace the notion 30:30.980 --> 30:33.330 of peace of not fighting 30:33.330 --> 30:37.040 the way in which the progress in the elections is coming 30:37.040 --> 30:38.680 and how much they look forward 30:38.680 --> 30:41.150 to expressing their view 30:41.150 --> 30:43.420 and to having a role in the future of the country. 30:43.420 --> 30:47.280 So that all of the pressures have a vital role to play 30:47.280 --> 30:49.969 in bringing peace to this country. 30:49.969 --> 30:50.802 - Okay. 30:50.802 --> 30:53.770 Well, thank you all for your questions. 30:53.770 --> 30:56.020 That's all the time we have here. 30:56.020 --> 30:58.160 Sir, are there any final words 30:58.160 --> 30:59.923 you'd like to for this group here? 31:04.670 --> 31:08.860 - No, I'd just like to, again, thank you for your questions. 31:08.860 --> 31:10.980 We didn't perhaps get to quite the detail 31:10.980 --> 31:14.090 of train, advise and assist that I think, 31:14.090 --> 31:16.800 this mission is so focused on 31:16.800 --> 31:19.300 which is at the heart of the capability 31:19.300 --> 31:21.470 development of the armed forces, 31:21.470 --> 31:23.660 but I would like to reinforce to you 31:23.660 --> 31:27.790 that it is the work that the 39 nations do here 31:27.790 --> 31:31.280 to build the capability not just of the forces 31:31.280 --> 31:33.410 but of the institutions 31:33.410 --> 31:36.730 that is at the heart of the success of the security forces, 31:36.730 --> 31:39.920 which is at the heart of bringing about a ceasefire 31:39.920 --> 31:41.790 recently and which will be at the heart 31:41.790 --> 31:43.750 of providing security and peace 31:43.750 --> 31:45.240 for the people of this country. 31:45.240 --> 31:46.570 Thank you very much. 31:46.570 --> 31:48.170 - Okay, thank you for your time. 31:48.170 --> 31:49.840 If there are any additional questions, 31:49.840 --> 31:51.800 I'll take them and coordinate directly 31:51.800 --> 31:54.130 with Lieutenant general Cripwell staff, 31:54.130 --> 31:55.180 sir, thank you again. 31:58.760 --> 31:59.593 - My pleasure. 31:59.593 --> 32:00.570 Thank you very much indeed.