NATO's Afghan commander bemoans force shortfalls

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L21755754.htm

LONDON, July 21 (Reuters) - A shortage of aircraft and easily deployable reserves is preventing NATO's force in Afghanistan doing its best, its commander said on Friday.

Lieutenant General David Richards, the British NATO commander who takes over responsibility for the dangerous south of the country in 10 days, said fighting in Afghanistan was more severe than the alliance expected when it planned its mission.

"Two years ago, when the North Atlantic Council agreed to this plan, they probably didn't know what they were getting into," he said during remarks to the Royal United Services Institute think tank in London.

"The difficulty SHAPE has sometimes had in meeting the minimum requirements outlined in the statement of requirements denies commanders some of the freedoms they require to respond appropriately to developments," he said, referring to NATO's Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe in Brussels.

[atreides1]

1. The general didn't get the memo

The UK is part of the American Empire now, and colonial military officers should be happy with what they have.(sarcasm intended)