The United States has about 38,000 troops in Afghanistan, and is the largest contributor to a joint NATO force. NATO also has about 30,000 non-U.S. troops in the country. Obama has approved sending an additional 17,000 American troops this spring and summer, but has emphasized the need for a broader, unified international approach.
Ahead of NATO's summit in early April, the French and German ambassadors said their governments had not been asked to contribute more troops, but said commitment to the fight was solid. "We are prepared to stay as long as necessary," said the French ambassador, Pierre Vimont. German has 3,400 troops in Afghanistan and has been bolstering its force, Ambassador Klaus Scharioth said.
On Russia, Obama said he wants to improve ties with Moscow in a context consistent with NATO membership. The alliance was founded after World War II to counter Soviet expansion in Europe. De Hoop Scheffer said that NATO and Russia should not hide their differences, but air them in careful negotiations. Read more at IHT
Read more at the Washington Post and AP.
