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                              Hagel in Afghanistan

   by VOA News

   U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has arrived in Afghanistan.
   He flew to Kabul after reassuring Middle Eastern leaders that the U.S.
   is not abandoning its commitment to that region, following the recently
   negotiated deal with Iran about its nuclear program.
   Chuck Hagel, speaking Saturday at a regional security forum in Bahrain,
   sought to alleviate apprehensions that the Iran nuclear deal, coupled
   with U.S. budget pressures and the drawdown in Afghanistan, could
   signal a decline in America's commitment to the area.
   Secretary Hagel detailed for the Manama Dialogue the strength of the
   U.S. military presence in the region, including 35,000 military
   personnel supported by intelligence systems, and a variety of tanks,
   artillery, aircraft and ships.
   The interim Iran deal crafted less than two weeks ago by major nations,
   including the U.S., would freeze parts of Iran's nuclear program in
   exchange for some relief from crippling Western economic sanctions.
   Gulf leaders are worried the agreement could embolden Iran and
   destabilize the area.
   The U.S. defense secretary proposed new steps Saturday to improve
   security cooperation, including regular discussions of missile defense
   with the region's air chiefs and allowing the six-nation Gulf
   Cooperation Council to purchase U.S. defense systems as an organization
   to encourage regional cooperation.
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   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/hagel-in-afghanistan/1805654.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/hagel-in-afghanistan/1805654.html