Afghan police killing U.S. soldiers: What it means for the war effort

In the wake of several shootings, the U.S. suspends a key program meant to prepare Afghans to take over security duties, creating a new obstacle for America's withdrawal

U.S. soldiers watch Afghan police recruits during a 2010 training session in Kabul: Some Afghan recruits will now need a village elder to vouch for them as part of tougher background checks.
(Image credit: REUTERS/Ahmad Masood)

The U.S. has halted training programs for local Afghan police recruits and army special operations personnel in Afghanistan, following a deadly series of attacks by uniformed Afghans on their foreign counterparts. The exit strategy for the U.S. and other foreign military forces hinges on preparing Afghan soldiers to take over security after the U.S. and its NATO allies withdraw. Will the interruption of the training program for new recruits hamper America's withdrawal plans? Here, a guide:

Why did the U.S. suspend these programs?

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