At 7:30 p.m. on May 1, President Barack Obama addressed the nation from Afghanistan at the end of his surprise visit there. Whether it was intentional or not, his address fell on the anniversary of Osama bin Laden’s death in Pakistan just one year ago, after the building he was staying in was raided by U.S. Navy Seals. His main purpose in giving the speech was to inform Americans of the future of the war, the U.S. soldiers, and the efforts that will be continued to help the Afghan government. This war has hit home for many in Monroe after a hometown hero, Army Sergeant Michael K. Ingram, was killed in the line of duty while stationed in Kandahar, Afghanistan in 2010 (militarytimes.com).

It should come as a relief to the masses that Obama has vowed that 23,000 troops will be returning home by the end of the summer of 2012. In addition, the president stated that 2014 is the set deadline for when security will be turned over to the Afghan government and NATO hopes that by next year, Afghanistan will be in the lead in combat forces (cnn.com).

Prior to Obama’s speech, he and Afghan President Hamid Karzai finalized a plan for the two countries’ cooperation after the final withdrawal of the U.S. in 2014. This outline, or the Strategic Partnership Agreement, was signed during a ceremony in its honor (cnn.com). The president has promised to continue to aid Afghanistan and not prematurely leave the country. In response to those who question why all troops can’t return home immediately, Obama stated that he believes Afghanistan needs time to stabilize and, therefore, the U.S. cannot just abandon it. While he acknowledges there are still tough days ahead to be faced, he said believes there is a light at the end of the tunnel.