NATO plans stronger force in Afghanistan

[w8liftinglady]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060604/ap_on_re_as/afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan - NATO will double the number of soldiers in southern Afghanistan when it takes over security there from U.S. troops next month, seeking to quash the worst rebel violence since the Taliban's ouster, the NATO force commander said Sunday.



Lt. Gen. David Richards also said NATO troops will be more "people friendly" in an effort to win the support of the local population amid rising resentment over what many Afghans see as overly aggressive tactics by the separate U.S.-led coalition force.

..My Question-Who comprises the NATO troops,exactly?

[w8liftinglady]

1. some more info about this

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4526150.stm
-snip-
For the past six months Britain has had tremendous difficulties in getting support from other Nato countries to join it in deploying to six provinces in the south and take over the American base in Kandahar.

Britain and Canada are committed to deploy an estimated 4,000 troops, but they needed another 2,000 more - specifically soldiers who will perform a peace-keeping role in the shape of PRTs, but also would not hesitate to fight if called upon to do so.

Major European countries such as France, Spain and Germany have refused to take part in operations that could involve fighting the Taleban.

[lyonn]

2. What an idea - didn't the U.N. agree with the invasion?

Good question concerning which troops would be involved. I don't have any idea. duh, sorry.

[w8liftinglady]

4. a little more info

http://www.cfr.org/publication/10822/natos_afghan_expansion.html

Are the troops from those other countries—the British, the Canadians, the Dutch—are they equipped, and are they capable of doing the same kind of military operations that U.S. troops were doing in the south?

I actually got to go up and visit the Canadian brigade leadership in Canada, back several months before they deployed, and I was very impressed with the preparations they had done in terms of their training and all of their equipment. I think they will be in very good shape to be able to perform any kind of missions they are called on to do.

[Hoping4Change]

6. Yes but the EU baulked when they were told by the US that

NATO troops would be under US control and command so they have sent their troops.

[lyonn]

9. Sorta remember that problem

Did they know Rummy better than most Americans? Many of us did know Rummy.

[lyonn]

3. Some explaination for number of troops and what countries

From Yahoo article:

"The NATO-commanded force will have troops from 36 nations, but most of them are coming from Britain, Canada and the Netherlands.

-snip-

The U.S. military has increased its force in Afghanistan in recent months from 18,000 to 23,000, with much of its operations focused on the eastern regions that border the tribal areas of Pakistan where Taliban and al-Qaida militants are believed to have bases.

With the NATO force increasing from around 9,000 soldiers to about 17,000 by next month, some U.S. troops are expected to withdraw. The U.S.-led coalition will retain control of the east, but Richards said he hoped that area also would soon come under his command."

Edit: During the Kosavo/Sariavo (sp??) invasion I believe even African countries were involved. Seems with this invasion there are limited countries participating. That makes matters worse for Britain and the U.S. as it looks like it is really only our fight. Well, guess it is.

[lyonn]

5. OK, not giving up on this Afghanistan situation

If we lose control of this country which sits right next to Pakistan which has the Big Bomb are we not getting ready for some serious problems? Mushareff (sp?) has had attempts on his life since he became our friends. We need stability big time in Afghanistan.

[w8liftinglady]

7. The official NATO take on it

http://www.nato.int/issues/afghanistan_stage3/index.html

The next stage of ISAF expansion is planned for 2006 and is known as Stage 3 Expansion, which will result in the following:

ISAF's area of operations will be expanded to include six additional provinces: Day Kundi, Helmand , Kandahar , Nimroz, Uruzgan and Zabul (see attached map);
Four Regional Commands will be established at: Mazar-e Sharif, Herat and Kandahar for ISAF Regions North, West and South respectively and one for the capital, Kabul;
Four additional ISAF Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs) will be created in the Helmand, Kandahar, Uruzgan and Zabul provinces, subject to national approval (see attached map);
An additional Forward Support Base will be established in Kandahar (see attached map);
Deployment of ISAF operational mentoring and liaison teams to Afghan National Army units at various levels of command. These are small groups of experienced officers and NCOs that will coach and mentor the Afghan National Army units to which they are attached;
ISAF will be increased by up to 6,000 personnel potentially bringing the total number to approximately 15,000;
(Currently 26 Allies and 10 non-NATO countries contribute some 9,000 personnel to the operation).

ISAF and Operation Enduring Freedom relationship

ISAF and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), the ongoing US-led military operation in Afghanistan, will continue to have separate mandates and missions. ISAF will conduct to focus on its stabilisation and security mission whilst OEF will continue to carry out its Counter-terrorism mission.

Clear command arrangements will coordinate, and where necessary, deconflict efforts within the two missions as agreed under the auspices of the operational plan.

[lyonn]

8. Looks like this is smoke and mirrors stuff

6,000 more troops of any country won't be enough to do all that plan sets out in my opinion. NATO needs to give more help protecting this country. I'm sure Bolton is making points at NATO and that more help is on the way - sarcasm.

[w8liftinglady]

10. the British, the Canadians, the Dutch

I wonder how these countries' citizens feel about more of their people sent to fight our war?