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| Afghanistan |
| Romanians Securing Vital Afghan Highway |
| 2007-04-01 |
| HIGHWAY 1, Afghanistan -- The Romanian soldier quietly makes the sign of the cross, then thrusts his rifle through the narrow slit of an armored vehicle as it rolls toward one of the most vital -- and dangerous -- highways in Afghanistan. As night falls, machine gunners constantly rotate their turrets and searchlights on the four patrol vehicles and rake the passing countryside for possible ambush sites amid rocky outcrops, mud-brick farm houses and orchards of blossoming almond trees. The Romanian presence, analyst say, is an example of what must be done to win the war in Afghanistan: convince NATO countries unwilling to put their soldiers in fighting situations that engaging in combat will pave the way for progress. One of only six NATO nations willing to take on combat operations in the country, the Romanians are tasked with securing a stretch of Highway 1, the strategic and economic lifeline between the capital, Kabul, and the key southern city of Kandahar. More at link. Thanks, Romania... |
| Posted by:Dave D. |
| #4 Verlaine, it's the Danes. They've been there in combat since very early in the campaign. Makes me damn proud to be half Danish and ALL American. I might even have to fetch up a bottle of Tuborg from the cellar for tonight! |
| Posted by: Zenster 2007-04-01 15:48 |
| #3 The Aussies are always punching above their weight in Southwest and Southeast Asia, and they are not part of NATO. I am surprised that the Albanians and Hungarians are not in combat roles in Afghanistan; although that may be more to economics on their part, than lack of will. |
| Posted by: Shieldwolf 2007-04-01 14:13 |
| #2 Verlaine, it's the Danes. They've been there in combat since very early in the campaign. I don't know how many there are, but they pull their weight. France and Germany are in the north, where it's relatively safe. The Aussies are not a part of NATO. |
| Posted by: Old Patriot 2007-04-01 13:58 |
| #1 US, UK, Canada, Romania, Netherlands (?) - who's the 6th one? Australia? Didn't the fwench special forces actually participate in festivities there over the last 5 years? |
| Posted by: Verlaine 2007-04-01 01:11 |