Macron Condemns Trump's Remarks on Afghanistan: Questioning Allies "Unacceptable"
French President Macron publicly condemned U.S. President Donald Trump's remarks regarding the performance of European allies in the Afghanistan war on Saturday, January 24, calling them "unacceptable." Trump had previously implied that NATO allies avoided frontline combat during the Afghanistan war, triggering widespread backlash, with leaders of many countries and veterans speaking out against it.
According to AFP, a French presidential office official said on Saturday that Macron considered such comments "unacceptable and not worth further comment." He emphasized that the French head of state's current priority was not to engage in verbal disputes over controversial statements, but to express condolences to the families of French soldiers who died in Afghanistan, and to reiterate France's respect and remembrance for the sacrifices made by these soldiers.
Trump had previously suggested that the transatlantic alliance was never truly needed during the Afghanistan war and accused some allies of "avoiding frontline combat" in the war. Trump's remarks quickly triggered strong reactions from allies, further exacerbating already tense relations between the United States and its closest allies.
As the controversy escalated, Trump appeared to soften his stance on Saturday. On the social media platform "Truth Social," he praised the bravery of British soldiers, describing them as "warriors" and stating that the relationship between British and American troops is "unbreakable."
Trump wrote, "Great and brave British soldiers will always stand shoulder to shoulder with American troops." Trump also mentioned that 457 British military personnel died in the Afghanistan operation, many of whom were seriously injured, and stated, "They are among the greatest warriors of all time, and this connection cannot be cut."
Previously, British Prime Minister Starmer criticized Trump's statement about NATO's involvement in Afghanistan as "insulting." Dutch Foreign Minister Van Veldhoven also stated that the U.S. remarks were "misleading and disrespectful."
Related information shows that during the Afghanistan war, 457 British soldiers died, 150 Canadian soldiers died, about 90 French soldiers died, and many soldiers from other countries such as Germany and Italy also died. According to data from the U.S. Department of Defense, approximately 2,460 U.S. military personnel died in the Afghanistan war.
Source: rfi
Original: toutiao.com/article/1855240800328907/
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