EYE ON THE CALENDAR: Despite the Pentagon’s insistence that the future withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan will be based on conditions, not the calendar, President Trump has given Secretary of State Mike Pompeo clear instructions to bring thousands of troops home before he faces reelection in 2020.

“That’s my directive from the president of the United States. He’s been unambiguous: End the endless wars, draw down, reduce,” Pompeo said at the Economic Club of Washington yesterday. “It won’t just be us. Those of you who have served know that Resolute Support has countries from all across Europe and around the world.”