| I guess going to the source makes sense... |
The United States, often criticised for not working with its allies, has for the past two years been quietly consulting a group of senior military officers from more than 20 countries, including Pakistan, Europe and the Arab world, for advice on combating terrorism. Among the members are senior officers from several Arab states, Pakistan, Australia, France, Germany, Britain and the United States. CENTCOM did not provide a full list of countries involved in the project. The team of 26 officers, known as the Combined Planning Group, has provided "fearless and frank" advice that one US member said has influenced American strategy. They have been meeting for just over two years at the Tampa, Florida, headquarters of US Central Command, which is in charge of military operations in the greater Middle East, Horn of Africa and Central Asia — including hot spots such as Iraq. US Col Mike Greer, a deputy director, said the team had "great influence" on some aspects of planning and strategy, bringing the input of its diverse members to bear. |