(NATO) Troop pledges by allies fall short

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Source: USA Today

WASHINGTON — The Bush administration's effort to get NATO allies to send new combat forces to Afghanistan has produced pledges from six countries for about 2,000 troops, far less than the 7,000 to 8,000 troops that NATO commanders say are needed.

The reinforcements — heralded by White House national security adviser Stephen Hadley at NATO's recent summit with the words "help is on the way" — include some that were promised long ago and others that require parliamentary approval. For example, it includes 400 pledged by Poland last year and 120 that need approval from the Czech Republic's Parliament.

The bulk — 700 from France and 500 from the former Soviet republic of Georgia, an aspiring NATO member — also was announced before the NATO summit this month in Bucharest, Romania.

By far the biggest commitment at Bucharest came from the United States, which is adding 3,500 Marines to its 31,000 troops now in Afghanistan.

Read more: http://www.usatoday.com/news/military/2008-04-21-afghanistan-nato_N.htm?loc=interstitialskip

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