A report set to be issued on the 30^th January highlights the risk of Afghanistan becoming a failed state, and of the war there being "forgotten" - a situation brought about by a decline in international support, and mounting violence there.

The study, written by the (now retired) Marine Corps General James Jones and ex-United Nations Ambassador, Thomas Pickering, lists among its recommendations the provision of additional troops to serve in Afghanistan, according to news agency AFP.

Afghan Progress Could be Marred by Growing Violence, Lack of Troops

"Afghanistan stands at a crossroads," AFP - which has obtained a pre-publication copy - quotes the report as stating.

"The progress achieved after six years of international engagement is under serious threat from resurgent violence, weakening international resolve, mounting regional challenges and a growing lack of confidence on the part of the Afghan people about the future direction of their country."

A fundamental issue has been attempting to gain victory in Afghanistan, despite the fact that there are "too few military forces", along with "insufficient economic aid", it adds.

Report Recommends More Troops, Equipment to Afghanistan

The report details a number of recommendations, among which, the following:

• An increase in the number of troops serving in Afghanistan
• An increase in the amount of military equipment provided
• A decoupling of the US' twin management of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan
• The foundation of a new position for an envoy to link up the US' Afghanistan policy

Gates: Afghan Security Good, but Extra Troops Needed

Robert Gates, the US Defence Secretary, said he was not yet familiar with the content of the new assessment, but seemed positive on the future for Afghanistan.

"I would say that the security situation is good," he said. "We want to make sure it gets better, and I think there's still a need to coordinate civil reconstruction, the economic development side of it."

Gates added that additional NATO personnel are needed to support the mission in Afghanistan, but "certainly not ours" (US troops). Quizzed on the strength of the extra troop support required, he said that commanders on the ground would dictate this.

At present, around 37,000 NATO troops are deployed in Afghanistan.

Source - Armed Forces International's US Correspondent

Recent related News Items:

Report Highlights Cost to US of Iraq/Afghan Wars

US to Supply 3,200 More Troops to Afghanistan

NATO Leases Helicopters to Boost US' Afghan War Effort

US General Urges for Additional Afghan Training Teams