NATO’s chief military figures have rejected notions that the organisation’s efforts in Afghanistan are in crisis, highlighting the good progress that is being made.

Robert Gates, the US Defence Secretary, said he viewed as positive the talk of NATO members increasing their contributions to Afghanistan, at discussions held in Vilnius, Lithuania over the 7^th/8^th February.  

Notably, however, none of those present at the Lithuanian meeting have yet pledged to supply additional troop support.

Earlier, Hamid Karzai, the President of Afghanistan, softened tensions over the role of overseas nations engaged in military operations in the country. In comments made after he had met Condoleezza Rice and David Miliband – the US Secretary of State and UK Foreign Secretary respectively – Karzai backed his authority in Afghanistan and asserted that he had not been critical of the contribution being made by the UK armed forces.

UK/ Afghan relations have been put to the test since the president’s announcement, in January, that Helmand’s security had deteriorated despite the efforts of British troops there.

Miliband: Afghan Taliban Defeat not a Short-Term Job

Mr Miliband affirmed that the Taliban were being overcome, but that it was not a short-term job. His sentiments were echoed by Ms Rice, who was adamant that progress was being made, but completion not yet reached.

De Hoop Scheffer: “Cautiously Optimistic” on Afghanistan

The Lithuanian meeting saw defence ministers representing the NATO states maintaining that ISAF (the International Security Assistance Force) was working effectively in Afghanistan. After the discussions, Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, NATO Secretary-General, spoke positively of the progress achieved.

“The picture leads me to tell you that I am cautiously optimistic, that there are challenges, that indeed we need more forces... and that our presence in Afghanistan means sharing responsibilities and also sharing risks," he stated.

Gates: NATO Troop Debate Hyped

The US Defence Secretary asserted the altercation over the amount of troops being provided by certain NATO members had been hyped. "I don't think that there's a crisis, I don't think that there's a risk of failure", said Mr Gates, adding: "My view is that it represents potentially the opportunity to make further progress faster in Afghanistan, if we had more forces there."

A day earlier, Gates had spoken of how the Afghanistan troop debate could place NATO in jeopardy, creating, what he termed, a "two-tiered alliance". Unless other nations contribute more, he said, those involved in active duty could become discouraged.

US, British, Dutch, Canadian Troops Active in South Afghanistan

For the main part, the troops at work in southern Afghanistan hail from the US, UK, Holland and Canada. A number of nations allied to the US – Spain, France, Italy, Germany and Turkey among them – have said they will not deploy troops to the south in any great numbers.

While, then, divisions are clear in the provisions being made, all those present at the Lithuanian meeting said they regarded Afghanistan as a long-term commitment.

Browne: Afghan President “Appreciates” Work of British Troops

Des Browne, the UK Defence Secretary, spoke of the importance of patience, and highlighted how Afghanistan’s civilian population, as well as President Karzai, were appreciative of what the British armed forces were achieving there.

"I am absolutely certain that he (Karzai) appreciates the contribution that we have made," he said.

"We will move forward together because improving the Afghan government's ability to deliver for its own people is at the heart of what we need to do."

It now remains to be seen if any new commitments will emerge in two months time, when NATO members gather again in Romania.

Canada Threatened to Withdraw Troops

Already Canada has said it will withdraw the 2,500 soldiers it has deployed in the country unless other nations send more military personnel to Kandahar. Speaking in Lithuania, Peter Mackay, Canada’s Defence Minister, elaborated on this.

"It's not a negotiable item”, he said. “We need 1,000 troops. We have to deliver on that commitment before we can extend our mission.

While none of the countries represented at the Lithuanian meeting said that they would send more soldiers, Herve Morin, France’s Defence Minister, did say such a move was under consideration.

"My message to the Canadian public is: be a bit patient," he stated.

On the 6^th February, it was confirmed that an additional 200 German troops would be deployed to Afghanistan. These, however, will principally serve in the north, only leaving the area in the event of an emergency.

Source – Armed Forces International’s East European Correspondent

Recent related News Items:

Germany Commits 200 More Troops to Afghanistan

MoD: 1,300 Scottish Troops to Serve in Afghanistan

Poland Criticises NATO's Troop Supply to Afghanistan

Afghanistan: Taliban Attacks at Least 20% Up in 2007

Afghanistan: Gates Urges Germany to Send More Troops

Afghan Official Killed in Suicide Bomb Attack

US Report Urges More Troops for Afghanistan

US to Supply 3,200 More Troops to Afghanistan