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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 Afghanistans most dangerous areas, while allies such as Germany have limited their troops exposure with so-called caveats to placate public opinion at home.

Just the type of pressure needed, since the Germans certainly aren't going to listen to Bambi.

We need the caveats to be lifted because they are a source of complications in the alliance, Morin said in his Paris office, the room where former Prime Minister Georges Clemenceau helped plot the allied victory in World War One.

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 restgovernance, 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 missions 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 whatleave Afghanistan in the hands of the Taliban, with Iran and Pakistan, a nuclear power, as its neighbours? he said.

So maybe you need to explain this to your people. Perhaps Le Monde could write something.

Posted by:Steve White

#1 Many French people find it difficult to understand that part of their security is at stake 11,000 km from their home

The French, of all people should be aware of the grobal reach of Islamic terrorists.

In the 90's Algerian terrorists took over a French 747. The plan was to fly it over downtown Paris, then detonate it in mid-air, showering wreckage and passengers on the city below.

The airplane war recaptured while it was on the ground refueling. All these animals need is a quiet place to plan and rehearse.

Posted by: Frozen Al 2009-03-18 15:37

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