John Bolton on Trump’s Afghanistan Speech: ‘It’s a Dramatic Change’ from Obama

RUSH EXCERPT:

BOLTON: "It’s a dramatic change from the Obama Administration. That’s the most important thing that comes through clearly in a lot of respect. Much of what the president said is right. He won’t have artificial time limits and won’t negotiate with the Taliban until presumably they’ve been sufficiently beaten back so they negotiate on our terms. He said to the troops they’ll have the necessary tools and right rules of engagement. Nonetheless, I think there’s a couple critical points while the speech rhetorically was fine we need to see how it plays out. One is Afghanistan in changing the policy. One of the pillars of his new policy. I think Afghanistan will be won or lost in Pakistan. I certainly think more pressure on the government there because of its support for terrorist groups them safe haven in Pakistan is welcome. But let’s be clear, Pakistan is a nuclear power. To see them tip into terrorist control would give them Iran on steroids. Pakistan wouldn’t have the capability without China. China has as part of the one belt, one road initiative increasing the influence in Pakistan and put more to the country than we do. It’s time to say to China if you want better relations with the United States convince Pakistan to give up the Taliban safe havens and seriously renounce terrorism."