`US NEEDS FRESH AFGHAN STRATEGY`
A top US general in Afghanistan Gen Stanley McChrystal has called for a revised military strategy, suggesting the current one is failing, BBC reports.
In a strategic assessment, he said that, while the Afghan situation was serious, success was still achievable.
The report has not yet been published, but sources say Gen McChrystal sees protecting the Afghan people against the Taliban as the top priority.
The report does not carry a direct call for increasing troop numbers.
“The situation in Afghanistan is serious, but success is achievable and demands a revised implementation strategy, commitment and resolve, and increased unity of effort,” Gen McChrystal said in the assessment.
Copies of the document have been sent to NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen and US Defense Secretary Robert Gates.
Mr. Gates said that although he had not yet seen the report he expected it to show that there were “challenges that remain before us... and areas where we can do better” in Afghanistan.
“There is no question that we have a tough fight ahead of us, but by the same token a lot of positive things have been happening,” Mr. Gates said.
He highlighted the increase in US and other troops and Afghanistan`s recent presidential election, despite continuing violence in the country, but warned that casualties were going to rise as troops tackled the Taliban.
Gen McChrystal`s assessment will say that the Afghan people are undergoing a crisis of confidence because the war against the Taliban has not made their lives better.
The general says the aim should be for Afghan forces to take the lead - but their army will not be ready to do that for three years and it will take much longer for the police.
McChrystal also wants more engagement with the Taliban fighters and believes that 60% of the problem would go away if they could be found jobs.
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