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Originally Posted by Charlatan
I don't see the cessation of combat in Afghanistan any time soon.
My ideal situation would see a proportionate increase in combat troops from other NATO nations so that a better cycle of combat tours can be maintained so that no nation bears more time in the line of fire than any other (with the possible exception of the US forces which given their larger numbers would likely always have troops in combat just few numbers over all).
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It is my opinion that neither Canada nor NATO can completely rebuild Afghanistan. The burden will eventually fall to the Afghani people themselves. That said, if Afghanistan can meet their goal of 70 000 active troops by 2011, we may have a hope of pulling out in the near future. The two key obstacles are going to be making sure the Afghani forces have enough manpower to keep the peace, and making sure that they have the proper training and equipment to do so. Fighting their battles for them is at best a temporary solution.
More forces are definitely needed, that's not in doubt. I am not happy about having to commit more Canadian men and women, though.
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Originally Posted by Charlatan
Germany, Spain, France, Turkey, the UK and the other members of NATO need to step up and share the load.
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Agreed. France committing another 700 to the region is a good start, but it's not going to be enough.