PM 'refused extra Afghan troops'

[IndianaGreen]

Well, here is how this issue looks on the other side of the pond.

PM 'refused extra Afghan troops'

Page last updated at 02:32 GMT, Tuesday, 6 October 2009 03:32 UK

Prime Minister Gordon Brown refused a major Afghanistan troop reinforcement against the military's advice, the former head of the Army has said.

Gen Sir Richard Dannatt stood down in August 2009 after repeatedly speaking out against what he said were equipment shortages and poor pay and conditions.

He told the Sun that ministers had to be taken "screaming and kicking" to agree to necessary measures.

Downing Street has denied refusing a request for 2,000 extra personnel.

The cabinet is due to sit within the week to consider another request from military chiefs for more troops

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Gen Dannatt told the newspaper that the military's task was made harder by operating with what he terms "at least part of one arm tied behind one's back".

He added: "The military advice has been for an uplift since the beginning of 2009.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8291935.stm

[ChimpersMcSmirkers]

1. It just means we'll have to send more.

You've been saying all or nothing right? Well it looks like all just got bigger. Enjoy.

[AuntPatsy]

2. others are committing - link

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x6697928

[IndianaGreen]

3. I don't relish this one bit!

(M)any currently serving in Helmand say more boots on the ground are vital - and that initially, they may have to be British until enough Afghan security forces can be trained to take over.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8291935.stm

And then there is this from the Liberal Democrat Party:

Lib Dems urge Afghan policy shift

The war in Afghanistan cannot be won unless current policies are changed, the Liberal Democrats have said.

In a joint newspaper article, party leader Nick Clegg and former leader Lord Ashdown accuse the international community of lacking a united strategy.

The article, in the Guardian, says Nato is "a hotch potch of the committed and the half hearted" and calls for the UK to appoint an Afghanistan minister.

They also call for a war cabinet to be established by the UK government.

Their article says the UK government needs to "change gear".

"The prime minister needs to make it clear that this struggle is now the nation's priority and we will strain every sinew to win it," it says.

"In wars from the Falklands to Iraq, the prime minister formed a special war cabinet. Why not now? Why not a minister for Afghanistan?"

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/8262129.stm