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Originally Posted by Manuel  Barack Obama is ready to revive the transatlantic relationship, but he expects Europe to pull its weight on Afghanistan and he would deepen Washington's engagement with other regions. |
One country in Europe that is prepared to pull its weight in Afghanistan is Britain. We currently have 8,200 troops in Afghanistan on a rotational basis. Seems that the MOD is prepared to almost double its troop numbers in Afghanistan to 14,000. Pity we can’t say the same for the rest of Europe.
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From the Daily Telegraph:
Military chiefs have been in discussion to almost double troop numbers in Afghanistan, the Daily Telegraph understands. Senior military officers have held preliminary talks about troop strenght and believe increasing numbers up to approximately 14,000 from the current 8,200 may be necessary to defeat the Taliban.
During a trip to the frontline in Helmand province yesterday Des Browne said he already agreed on three occasions to military requests for increases. Mr Browne, who is the first senior politician to visit the volatile front line in Sangin town where 10 British troops have been killed since June, said British forces were making progress in Afghanistan, but acknowledged it had come at a "high price".
He said: "The force level that we have in Afghanistan is one that was placed there on advice to do the job that we want it to do. "And I have, twice or three times now, increased that force level. I am willing to do that if that's the military advice."
More troops may be sent to Afghanistan, hints Des Browne - Telegraph |
As for other European countries, make up your own mind whether they are pulling their weight in Afghanistan.
Approximate troop numbers by country:
Belgium 375
Denmark 690
Finland 65
France 1670
Germany 3370
Greece 150
Hungary 205
Italy 2350
Netherlands 1770
Norway 580
Poland 1140
Portugal 165
Spain 800
Sweden 250
Turkey 760
Source: NATO/ISAF