NATO chief increases pressure on Germany over Afghan troop role

[bemildred]

Source: DPA

Berlin - NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer joined the debate on Afghanistan Saturday, increasing pressure on Germany to deploy troops in the hostile south of the country where Taliban insurgency is strongest. De Hoop Scheffer told Bild am Sonntag newspaper that Germany should expand its military activities in Afghanistan, a day after Chancellor Angela Merkel's government rejected calls by US Defence Secretary Robert Gates to do just that.

"Germany plays a leading role in the north and is doing an exemplary job. But I believe the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) could use more of this in other parts of Afghanistan," he said.

"I think all nations should show greater flexibility in the deployment of their forces," de Hoop Scheffer said in an interview, excerpts of which were released in advance of publication Sunday.

Germany has around 3,200 soldiers serving with the 37,000-strong NATO-led ISAF. Most of them are engaged in training and reconstruction work in the relatively peaceful north.

Read more: http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/181941,nato-chief-increases-pressure-on-germany-over-afghan-troop-role.html

[ConcernedCanuk]

1. USA is just trying to get other nations to share the blame when Afghanistan fails.

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I'm still upset that our Government got us into a combat role in Afghanistan, and I have signed several petitions to our Government requesting withdrawal of combat troops.

Canada has up to recently been regarded as a peacekeeping nation.

Supporting the insanity of the USA WarMachine is not what we are about.

Harper begone!

Yes, I know it was Martin that slid this in before Harper's reign - but now it's out in the open, Harper should get our troops out of there -

I don't think Afghanistan is gonna attack us real soon . . .

[Hardrada]

2. Deutschland ueber alles

but they won't be ueber there!




He liebs me, he liebs me not!
Hey just lieb me alone!