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London: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called on US President Donald Trump to apologize for his “disgraceful and offensive” comments about NATO forces during the war in Afghanistan. He said Trump’s claim that NATO (NATO ) forces stayed away from the front lines was false and that he should apologize for it. Trump had said in Davos, Switzerland on Thursday that he wasn’t sure if NATO would come to America’s aid if needed. He said, “We never needed them, we never asked them for anything. They say they sent some troops to Afghanistan, or did this or that, and they did, but they stayed a little bit back, a little bit away from the front lines.”
Trump’s comments spark outrage
Trump’s comments have caused widespread anger and distress in Britain. Starmer paid tribute to the 457 British soldiers who died in Afghanistan. He said, “I will never forget their bravery, courage and sacrifice for the country. I find President Trump’s comments insulting and frankly disgraceful. I am not surprised that it has caused so much pain to the families of the fallen and across the country.” Starmer said that if he had said something like that, he would certainly apologize. Responding to an appeal from Diane Durrant (whose son Ben Parkinson was seriously injured in a landmine explosion in Afghanistan in 2006), he said he had made his position clear and that Trump should apologize for such remarks.
Britain also supported the US after 9/11
He said that Britain’s sacrifice was also for the US after the 9/11 attacks. Then-British Prime Minister Tony Blair had said that Britain would stand “shoulder to shoulder” with the US. The British Army played a key role in several important operations in Afghanistan, particularly in Helmand province. British troops withdrew in 2014, while US forces left chaotically in 2021, after which the Taliban returned to power. More than 150,000 British troops served in Afghanistan following the 2001 US-led invasion, the largest number after the US. Ben Obese-Jecty (a former captain in the Royal Yorkshire Regiment who served in Afghanistan) said it was “tragic” that the president would so cheaply dismiss the sacrifices of our nation and NATO allies.
Trump reminded of Vietnam War
Starmer said the anger over Trump’s comments was heightened because he himself avoided service in the Vietnam War. He received a draft deferment due to bone spurs, but he couldn’t remember which foot had the problem, leading to accusations of draft dodging. Author Stephen Stewart said it was “deeply ironic” that such shameful comments were made by someone who avoided Vietnam.
Trump repeatedly attacks NATO
This is one of Trump’s recent comments downplaying the commitment of NATO allies. In the past few days, he has threatened to seize Greenland (a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark) and talked about imposing tariffs on European countries, raising questions about the future of NATO. In reality, NATO’s Article 5 (mutual defense clause) has only been invoked once – to help the US after the 9/11 attacks. All member states provided assistance. Countries like Denmark made the greatest sacrifices per capita, with 44 soldiers killed. Former Danish platoon commander Martin Tamm Andersen said, “When the US needed us after 9/11, we were there.”
Widespread anger against Trump in Britain
Trump’s comments could further damage transatlantic relations. After meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte regarding Greenland, Trump backed down and spoke of creating a framework on “Arctic security,” but the damage to relations has been done. Trump’s remarks reflect his long-standing skepticism of NATO, but they are insulting to allied nations. Political parties in Britain are united in condemning Trump, and Starmer is under pressure to confront him directly.
