American Afghan Policy in Trouble!
The USA, Canada, Europe and NATO Undergo Strained Relations
Canada complained to America and the USA complained to Europe - put additional combat troops in Afghanistan. Europe's answer was a resounding NO and NATO is in jeopardy!
The AP reported: “The refusal of Germany, along with France, Turkey and Italy, to send significant number of troops to the southern front lines has opened a rift within NATO.” DW-Deutsche Welt, the German Magazine and TV station, reported February 1st 2008 that US Defense Secretary Robert: “Gates expressed concerns about…a possible split in the NATO alliance, and a loss of credibility…” and maybe the war on terror.
Prime Minister: “Harper spoke Wednesday with President George W. Bush about Afghanistan and…unless Canada was able to secure additional combat troops…from NATO allies, Canada's mission in Afghanistan will not be extended,” reported Mike Blanchfield of Canwest News Service last week. BBC reported in February 2008: “In a 'stern' letter…Gates has asked the German Defense Minister, Franz Josef Jung, to send more German troops to boost the NATO led force.” But DW reported: “The German Defense Minister…has said the German military would not send additional soldiers to southern Afghanistan as requested in an unusually direct letter from his US counterpart.”
Non Combat Role – Red Cards
- France - Des clous
- Germany – Nein
- Italy – No
- Spain – No
- Turkey - Hic de degil
According to DW in November 2006 these nations “…are currently the holders of so-called ‘red card’ national caveats that allow them to keep their troops away from the most dangerous areas of operations in Afghanistan.” Patrolling northern regions, guarding the capital Kabul and occasionally providing support to Pakistan in the north; these troops remain clear of hostile areas.
Combat Support Role
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Romania
- Portugal
Providing direct support in combat areas, these nations (except Denmark) mainly provide security or air operation support only. Portuguese and Romanian troops defends vital areas at Kandahar airport while Estonian troops protect supply lines and depots. Denmark has provided direct ground and air support on a case by case basis.
Major Combat Role
- Britain
- Canada,
- Netherlands
- USA
DW reported that “a recent NATO report showed that 90% of casualties suffered by troops serving with ISAF have come from just four countries….” While supporting counties (Denmark) have contributed to major offensives, like the Canadian-led Operation Medusa in Kandahar, there is “…a simmering resentment between NATO countries over the lack of combat support.”
“The Manley report identified a lack of military forces as the biggest problem facing the mission,” CBC reported. “Without additional troop support…the Canadian government should…give NATO and Afghan authorities notice of [Canada’s] intention to withdraw from Kandahar….” When asked if he thought it was achievable to get extra soldiers into Afghanistan by the Canadian deadline, Gates replied: "I certainly hope so."
Summary
After billions of dollars and hundreds of lives, the coalition, that seemed so promising to remove the Taliban in Afghanistan, may be in danger of disintegrating. However, more significant that this failure is the possibility of the splintering of NATO itself - a showdown of wills seems likely. DW reported “NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer now seems determined to persuade all members that troops, regardless of nationality and area of deployment in Afghanistan, should be ready to engage the enemy when NATO and circumstances call for it.” Whether this occurs will determine the future of the alliance.
