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| Afghanistan | ||
| France asks allies to lift bar on Afghan troops | ||
| 2009-03-18 | ||
| Also want a timetable for withdrawal PARIS - NATO members fighting in Afghanistan need to lift restrictions on where and how their troops are deployed or risk hindering the mission, French Defence Minister Herve Morin said on Tuesday. As the United States prepares to send more troops to Afghanistan to battle a growing Taliban insurgency, Morin said France would not commit additional soldiers or equipment. France has lost 27 men in the conflict and operates in some of Afghanistan’s most dangerous areas, while allies such as Germany have limited their troops’ exposure with so-called “caveats” to placate public opinion at home.
Morin welcomed what he described as a more comprehensive approach by U.S. President Barack Obama and said an increase in U.S. troops could encourage broader peace-building efforts. “The idea is we are in a situation where we are not making considerable progress,” he said of the strategic shift. “And rather than stay there for 20 years with the same level of troops, (the U.S. is) putting together a package with all the rest—governance, development, national reconciliation.” There has been pressure on European nations to commit more forces, but governments are reluctant to alienate their voters by pouring additional resources into the unpopular war. “We have to talk to those who want to talk,” Morin said. “Within the Taliban, there are those who are on Jihad, who are in a war against the West ... there are also students who want the strict application of Sharia law.” A presidential election slated in Afghanistan for August could provide an opportunity for such a dialogue, Morin said. A clear timetable and milestones marking the mission’s progress would help allay public concerns. “Many French people find it difficult to understand that part of their security is at stake 11,000 km from their home,” he said, stressing that pulling out was not an option. “To do what—leave Afghanistan in the hands of the Taliban, with Iran and Pakistan, a nuclear power, as its neighbours?” he said.
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| Posted by:Steve White |
| #1 |
| Posted by: Frozen Al 2009-03-18 15:37 |