The Heat: Trump’s Afghanistan strategy

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US President Donald Trump unveiled his long-awaited strategy for resolving the nearly 16-year-old conflict in Afghanistan.

Instead of withdrawing, the US will re-energize its commitment to the Afghan conflict. In a speech short on details, the President spoke of concerns that a hasty withdrawal would create a vacuum for terrorists.

In his speech, he slammed Pakistan, saying "they are housing the very terrorists we are fighting," and said that the US will further develop its strategic partnership with India.

Trump's move could deepen the divide between archenemies India and Pakistan.

US President Donald Trump announces his strategy for the war in Afghanistan during an address to the nation from Fort Myer, Virginia, US, Aug. 21, 2017. /Reuters Photo

CGTN's The Heat talked to Raza Rumi, scholar-in-residence at Ithaca College and an Editor for Pakistan’s Daily Times.

"Everybody expected that the US would play a role in brokering some kind of a working relationship between these two countries (India and Pakistan), which have large number of people living in hunger and poverty, and lack of social development. Instead, this ratcheting up of military language is very worrying for the region," Rumi said.

"This is not going to be taken well in Pakistan. And, even though the Indians would be euphoric as they have gotten the super powers, the sort of blessings, but it's only going to complicate things further."

"I think that is very worrying not just for the region but for the world as well, because this was a moment for Donald Trump to actually play constructive role in bringing these two countries together. But I also want to respond to the earlier points that made. This is not the 18th century or the 19th century. In 2017, you can't actually be in a country and occupy it and run it," he said.

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