17 September 2008

McKiernan Charts Course Forward in Afghanistan

McKiernan Charts Course Forward in Afghanistan

NATO’s International Security Assistance Force, U.S. troops and Afghan security forces are in a tough fight in Afghanistan, but Army Gen. David D. McKiernan is convinced the people of the country do not want extremists back in power.

McKiernan, commander of NATO forces in Afghanistan and nominee to be commander of U.S. Forces Afghanistan, said the people do not want the Taliban ruling.

“They don’t want a radical form of government in power, but it’s still going to take a while to defeat this insurgency,” he said during an interview with reporters traveling with Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates. Gates arrived this evening for meetings with Afghan, American and NATO leaders.

McKiernan said the effort in Afghanistan will require much more than just more troops.

No comments: