World

Britain may deploy more troops to Afghanistan

by Dave Keating | December 4, 2008 at 01:55 am

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In the Queen's speech yesterday it was revealed that the UK's mission to Afghanistan is "under review," which will likely mean that the UK will increase its number of troops in the country. US president-elect Barack Obama has said he will ask NATO members to contribute more troops to the Afghanistan mission.

The Prime Minister's review of UK strategy in Afghanistan follows warnings from senior military commanders that Western attempts to stabilise the country are failing in several key aspects.

"We're looking anew at the Afghanistan policy," he told MPs in a debate on the Queen's Speech, repeating calls for other Nato members to "share the burden" and increase their contribution.

Mr Brown said that ministers and officials from the Ministry of Defence, the Foreign Office and the Department for International Development were reviewing many facets of Britain's work in Afghanistan.

In particular, he said the review was considering issues like Afghanistan's porous border with Pakistan, and the need for more helicopters to support British troops in southern Afghanistan.

Officials said that the Prime Minister was referring to an ongoing and routine review of Afghan policy. There is no fixed date for the review to conclude.

However, British defence sources are now certain that ministers and generals will conclude that the 8,100-strong British force in Afghanistan will grow.