On November 20, 2013, Afghanistan released a draft of the Security and Defense Cooperation Agreement between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (Agreement). If approved by Afghanistan, the agreement will govern the role of U.S. troops in Afghanistan from January 1, 2015 to 2024 and beyond, unless terminated by the parties. . As outlined in Article 2 which addresses the purpose and scope of the agreement, “the Parties shall continue to foster close cooperation to strengthen security and stability in Afghanistan,” but “[u]nless otherwise mutually agreed, United States forces shall not conduct combat operations.” Instead, “the United States shall undertake supporting activities,” which are outlined in detail in the Agreement.