NATO failed to win new troop commitments today, “urgently needed for its Afghanistan campaign,but the alliance said a 10-day offensive to dislodge Taliban fighters from their southern strongholds was achieving its goals despite the shortage of troops.”

John Kerry responded to NATO’s refusal to send more troops to Afghanistan saying that despite tough rhetoric, the Bush Administration has failed to lead to prevent disaster:

“NATO’s refusal today to listen to the commanders on the ground and send more troops to Afghanistan is a terrible setback for America’s security. Secretary Rice yesterday said we’ll “pay for it” if Afghanistan again devolves into a terrorist stronghold. But this Administration is failing to heed its own warnings.

Where NATO allies have pledged troops and assistance to Afghanistan, they must follow through. The United States must lead by example by sending at least five thousand additional American troops — including more elite Special Forces troops; more civil affairs forces; and more experienced intelligence units – to Afghanistan immediately.

The Taliban and al Qaeda know we are bogged down in Iraq. We must not allow that disastrous policy to be the excuse for allowing Afghanistan to descend into chaos.”

UPDATE – RELATED POST: Not A Forgotten War

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