U.S. toning down pleas for help with Afghan mission, Gates says

[CHIMO]

Source: CBC News

The United States will soften its appeals to NATO allies for more troops in Afghanistan, U.S. Defence Secretary Robert Gates said on Friday, recognizing that some European governments face opposition to the mission.

Speaking in Edinburgh, Scotland, on Friday, Gates said he would continue to make the case for greater military assistance in the fight against the Taliban, but will do it differently.

Gates said he will keep in mind the "political realities" faced by some European governments whose people are strongly against intervention in Afghanistan.

Citing the example of an ally with helicopters but insufficient resources to outfit them for the harsh Afghan environment, he said such a country might get funds from another member to make the upgrade.



Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2007/12/14/isaf-meeting.html

[LynnTheDem]

1. The Forgotten War; where the "are no longer" Taliban control over half

of Afghanistan and are coming ever closer to taking over Kabul itself.

George W. bUsh's "shining example" for Iraq.

george W. bUsh's first failed war.