think this says it all

http://news.sympatico.msn.ctv.ca/TopStories/ContentPost...ghan_strategy-070704

click on the sidebar labelled " rethinking the Afghan mission..."

Doubt that NATO will get its act together, though, as there are too many wussies in some countries who are afraid to have to face the voters if one of their soldiers gets killed. They'd rather let Canada and the UK and the US take the hits.

RIP and prayers for the families both at home and in country.

I agree that the rest of NATO will probably wimp out.

We need more eastern euros. Poles, Estonians, Latvians, Ukraines, Georgians, Lithuanians. The US can offer to cover expenses and kick in a supplement to the income of the enlisted boys that they send.

I don't see why India doesn't throw in with us, they have the world's second largest military.

Clay:

don't knock the Indian military/gov't for not doing their part.. India is heavily involved in a number of UN missions around the world and has ponied up their army/forces readily enough for duties..

It would be difficult to have them in Afghanistan for two reasons.. a] they'd be on the Pakistan border and, given their ' difficulties' with Pakistan over the Kashmir, this could create a bit of a friction, especially if there were insurgent infiltrations from there into Afghan territories they'd have to respond to.. and b] their mostly Hindu, which, sad to say, is still a problem with Muslim sensitivities..

that being said, there are Indian troops in Afghanistan, just in low profile positions not near the hot spots.

No need for the Eastern European countries you mentioned [ not that they have the best militaries- and the folks in the US may balk at having to foot the bill for ' foreign' troops/proxies ]..if the NATO countries who already have substantial soldiers in Afghanistan would just release them from their bases and their engagement restrictions and let them fight where they are needed most.in the south against the Taliban and Drug Lords..

This isn't going to be a short conflict and the extremists aren't going to be kicked out completely.. determination by others to hold the ground and stay the long term course are the only options.. Canada has done more than asked for and doesn't get near the recognition it deserves..I'm saddened that we've lost 66 soldiers, but proud of their prowess and skills in taking it to the ' bad guys' ..

Afghanistan has been a land of war and conflict for longer than anyone can remember. I don't think it will ever be fully secure. I don't think we should leave either. If we end up getting out of Iraq, we'll have more free troops for Afghanistan.