Edith M. Lederer
UN extends NATO force in Afghanistan for a year
UNITED NATIONS — The Security Council voted Thursday to extend U.N. authorization for NATO’s 70,000-strong force in Afghanistan for a year, emphasizing the importance of protecting civilians just as the U.S. and international commitment to the war is under review.
Britain’s U.N. Ambassador John Sawers said the resolution’s unanimous adoption by all 15 council members “underlines the extent of international support for the international effort there.”
The resolution calls for more personnel, equipment and other resources for NATO’s International Security Assistance Force. But it makes no mention of the debate taking place in some NATO capitals on whether to increase or reduce the force.
The Security Council also did not address the debate in Washington on whether to add up to 40,000 additional U.S. troops. President Barack Obama is weighing recommendations and is expected to make a decision within weeks.
The United States has 65,000 troops in Afghanistan — approximately 31,000 serving with NATO and 34,000 under U.S. command.
The resolution does stress the importance of stepping up efforts “to train, mentor and empower” Afghanistan’s security forces so they become self-sufficient and assume responsibility for protecting the country.
The allied strategy in Afghanistan hinges on increasing the number of Afghan soldiers and police so U.S. and NATO forces can one day withdraw. Some 134,000 Afghan troops are to be trained by late 2011, but U.S. officials say that number will need to be greatly increased, an expansion that the U.S. will finance.
Sawers said the resolution “goes out of its way to emphasize the importance of protecting the Afghan civilian population.”
The Security Council expressed “serious concern with the high number of civilian casualties,” and called for “compliance with international humanitarian and human rights law.”
U.S. and NATO authorities have been strongly criticized for an increase in civilian casualties, which has alienated many Afghans.
Soon after assuming command of NATO and U.S. forces in June, Gen. Stanley McChrystal ordered troops to limit the use of airstrikes to prevent civilian casualties. He also required international troops to be accompanied by Afghan forces before entering homes.
The resolution welcomes the military’s increased focus on making the protection of civilians “a central element” in their mission.
The Security Council expressed “strong concern” at the increasing violence and terrorist activity by the Taliban, al-Qaida, illegally armed groups, criminals and those involved in the narcotics trade — and at the “harmful consequences” on the government’s ability to guarantee to rule of law and provide security and basic services to the Afghan people.
Sawers said “sustained and accountable and stable government across Afghanistan,” was required “to ensure that Afghanistan can no longer be used as a base of terrorists.”
The council also voiced concern at “the increasingly strong links between terrorism activities and illicit drugs.”
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