Afghanistan

Nato defence ministers review Afghanistan strategy

Article published on the 2009-06-11 Latest update 2009-06-11 10:33 TU

Defence ministers met in the Nehterlands ahead of Thursday's talks in Brussels.
Photo: Reuters/Michael Kooren

Defence ministers from eight Nato nations are meeting in Brussels on Thursday to review the strategy of troops fighting the Taliban-led insurgency in Afghanistan

The meeting comes as the United States continues to step up its military presence in an effort to streamline the battle against Taliban and al-Qaeda insurgents in the south of the country, and to secure elections in August.

Defence ministers first met in the Netherlands on Wednesday, where the Dutch general commanding Nato troops in the south of Afghanistan told ministers that US reinforcements would strengthen efforts to disrupt insurgents and combat roadside bombs. 

The US has more troops in Afghanistan than all of its allied countries combined, with President Barack Obama in the process of doubling the number to 68,000.

The meeting - which will also discuss a plan to draw down peacekeeping forces in Kosovo - comes a day after the US Senate confirmed General Stanley McChrystal's appointment to take over the command of US forces in Afghanistan.

McChrystal, who has led special operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, was nominated by Obama to spearhead a fresh approach to the US's struggling campaign in the region.