World | Afghanistan
US calls on Germany to join Afghan fighting
Nato faced one of its greatest tests since the Cold War on Friday after America accused Germany of failing to fight the Taliban and urged Berlin to send more combat troops to Afghanistan.
- The Telegraph Group Limited
- Published: 00:44 February 3, 2008
London/Vienna: Nato faced one of its greatest tests since the Cold War on Friday after America accused Germany of failing to fight the Taliban and urged Berlin to send more combat troops to Afghanistan.
All of Nato's 26 member states agreed to mount the mission in Afghanistan and 42,000 troops have been deployed in the country.
However, only four Nato members - UK, US, Canada and the Netherlands - have sent large numbers of soldiers to southern Afghanistan, where the Taliban insurgency is strongest. These countries, notably Britain with 7,800 troops, are conducting the lion's share of the campaign against the Taliban. Germany has 3,200 troops in Afghanistan - but they are deployed in the relative safety of the north.
America has now asked Germany to send about 1,000 combat troops to southern Afghanistan. Robert Gates, the US defence secretary, made the demand in a lettert.
Share this article
Afghanistan
US low on options in Afghanistan
Obama looks for revised Afghan war options
Afghan presidential inauguration to be on Nov. 19
US seeks new Afghan timelines
Japan pledges $5b aid for troubled Afghanistan
Afghanistan commander calls for staying the course
Karzai: Corrupt ones not in new government
Nato strike kills 7 at coalition base
More from World
News Editor's choice
-
Zoo elephants will go to wildlife parks
Order follows complaints from rights activists of treatment of animals kept in captivity
-
Diabetes: A ticking time bomb
Gulf News takes a closer look at the spread of diabetes in the UAE
-
What to expect at the Dubai Airshow
We preview what types of aircraft to expect at the Dubai Airshow
