NATO Boosts Support to Afghanistan War; Falls Short of Goal
NATO Boosts Support to Afghanistan War; Falls Short of Goal by Lolita C. Baldor – Associated Press
After months of lobbying NATO allies to increase their troop contributions and support to the war in Afghanistan, the alliance came up short Thursday, meeting a bit more than 90 percent of the military requirements mapped out by commanders, according to NATO officials.
U.S. military leaders, however, said they have been encouraged by the continuing discussions with several nations, who may eventually agree to increase their commitments.
“Coming out of today, it won’t be at 100 percent today,” said U.S. Army Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti, NATO’s top military officer. “We’re still in discussion with more than a few nations that are looking at an increase above the initial one given at the force generation conference. So, I’m encouraged.”
The gap, said Gen. John Nicholson, top U.S. commander for Afghanistan, has contributed to the lowest level of capabilities and the “highest level of risk we faced” in the 16-year war…