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Prime minister threatens to cut support if Karzai doesn't target corruption
By Gregory Katz
Associated Press
Published on Saturday, Nov 07, 2009
LONDON: Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Washington's closest ally in Afghanistan, toughened his tone Friday with this harsh message for the Afghan leadership: Clean up your act — for real this time — or risk a cutoff of support.
In what 10 Downing Street billed as a major speech, Brown reflected public outrage over troop casualties by threatening to pull back support — and perhaps even additional troops — unless Afghan President Hamid Karzai cracks down on corruption. It was his first challenge since the Afghan leader was declared the winner of an election deeply marred by charges of fraud and ballot-rigging.
''I am not prepared to put the lives of British men and women in harm's way for a government that does not stand up against corruption,'' he said.
Brown's warning came as NATO allies in Brussels advised American officials on what policy President Barack Obama should embrace in Afghanistan, where the eight-year campaign against Taliban insurgents has stalled, with rising casualties for Western forces.
European political and military leaders are anxiously waiting for Obama to decide whether to increase troops levels — as sought by the top U.S. and NATO general in Afghanistan — or redefine the goals of the NATO-led mission.
Rifts have already emerged between the allies on how to beef up the international force.
Canada and the Netherlands have announced plans to start reducing their contingents, and others have said they would not increase their contributions to the international force, but Britain and some other members have indicated they would consider a modest boost in troop numbers.
A Canadian official said Friday that the chief of defense staff, Gen. Walter Natynczyk, has ordered preparations to get under way that would see Canada's 2,800 troops removed from southern Afghanistan in the summer of 2011.
In Afghanistan, meanwhile, the alliance said two American soldiers disappeared after a routine resupply mission and more than 25 NATO and Afghan security forces members were wounded during the search mission for them.
Officials indicated it was unlikely the two missing had been taken captive.
NATO forces headquarters in Afghanistan said the two paratroopers from the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, went missing on Wednesday.
During the search operation to locate them, more than 25 NATO and Afghan national security forces members were wounded, said Lt. Col. Todd Breasseale, a NATO spokesman.
''Initial reports indicate they were wounded due to insurgent activity,'' Breasseale said.
LONDON: Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Washington's closest ally in Afghanistan, toughened his tone Friday with this harsh message for the Afghan leadership: Clean up your act — for real this time — or risk a cutoff of support.
Get the full article here.
Comments
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Orrville, Oh
Posted 04:30 PM, 11/07/2009
It’s a shame; Commander in Chief President Barrack Obama; don’t stand tall; with Britain Minister Gordon Brown!
