By DPA,
Washington : NATO’s American general John Craddock, during an inspection tour to Afghanistan last week, accused member nations and leaders of breaking promises in the ongoing effort to support the Afghan Army.
“As soon as we begin to set up troops we fall on our nose,” the supreme allied commander for Europe told Financial Times Germany.
The four-star general said his frustration is about the units promised to support the efforts of the Afghan army, in order to fight together against the Taliban and Al Qaeda.
Craddock said 19 of 73 promised units each of 25 to 30 soldiers have yet to arrive.
The general said he was frustrated with the NATO members at a time when the situation in Afghanistan was extremely explosive. In June for the first time more foreign soldiers were killed in Afghanistan than in Iraq. Of the 45 soldiers killed 27 were US troops and 13 British soldiers.
ISAF commanders have said the Taliban can only be defeated with more NATO troops.
Adding to the challenging task, insurgent strategy has shifted from military targets to civilian. Roads built by the international community and public buildings are now frequently attacked.
Craddock said he has no money for transportation. A shortage of money also obstructs shipment of supplies.
Helicopters from the Czech Republic for example are available for the Afghanistan, but Craddock said he had no money for delivery.
He said to complete transport, he needed about $7 million – roughly the sum required to operate air-conditioning units at the ministries of defence for the summer.