Bring all American troops back home from Afghanistan by December 31, 2013

With Osama bin Laden being eliminated in May 2011 and Afganistan no longer a launching pad for terrorist attacks on American soil, the United States has accomplished its mission in Afghanistan. Nothing in Afghanistan poses a threat to our national security - thus, continuing to needlessly put our troops in harm's way is not justified. The present withdrawal deadline of December 31, 2014 is purely arbitrary. What will the United States accomplish in that proposed final year of being in Afghanistan besides further sacrifice of blood and treasure? The withdrawal process of US troops needs to be significantly sped up and December 31, 2013 should be set as the final day of troops remaining in Afghanistan. Bring all American troops back to the US where they belong, protecting us here at home.