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UN urges stronger Afghan mission | UN urges stronger Afghan mission |
(20 minutes later) | |
The UN Security Council has voted unanimously to extend the mandate of Nato-led troops in Afghanistan for a year and urged that it be reinforced. | The UN Security Council has voted unanimously to extend the mandate of Nato-led troops in Afghanistan for a year and urged that it be reinforced. |
A resolution called on "member states to contribute personnel, equipment and other resources" to the International Security Assistance Force (Isaf). | A resolution called on "member states to contribute personnel, equipment and other resources" to the International Security Assistance Force (Isaf). |
The renewal comes as the Obama administration is locked in a series of meetings on future troop deployment. | The renewal comes as the Obama administration is locked in a series of meetings on future troop deployment. |
The top US commander has recommended sending an extra 40,000 troops. | The top US commander has recommended sending an extra 40,000 troops. |
However, sources close to the series of talks have suggested the administration is discussing whether it could work with "reconcilable" elements of the Taliban and concentrate on targeting al-Qaeda. | However, sources close to the series of talks have suggested the administration is discussing whether it could work with "reconcilable" elements of the Taliban and concentrate on targeting al-Qaeda. |
This might mean a lower number of additional troops, analysts say. | This might mean a lower number of additional troops, analysts say. |
Gen McChrystal's troop request is said to include a range of options Eight years in Afghanistan in quotes US media reflects bitter debate Indecision reveals uncertainty | Gen McChrystal's troop request is said to include a range of options Eight years in Afghanistan in quotes US media reflects bitter debate Indecision reveals uncertainty |
However, a decision on this is not expected for several weeks. | However, a decision on this is not expected for several weeks. |
The UN mandate renewal was fully expected but the resolution also stressed the need for reinforcement. | The UN mandate renewal was fully expected but the resolution also stressed the need for reinforcement. |
Britain's ambassador to the UN John Sawers denied this meant a specific call to increase troop levels. | Britain's ambassador to the UN John Sawers denied this meant a specific call to increase troop levels. |
He said: "We should have the forces there necessary to deliver on the tasks." | He said: "We should have the forces there necessary to deliver on the tasks." |
The Isaf force in Afghanistan has about 67,000 troops from 42 countries, about two-thirds from the US. | The Isaf force in Afghanistan has about 67,000 troops from 42 countries, about two-thirds from the US. |
'Not the same' | 'Not the same' |
The top US commander in Afghanistan, Gen Stanley McChrystal, is said to have presented US President Barack Obama with a range of options. | The top US commander in Afghanistan, Gen Stanley McChrystal, is said to have presented US President Barack Obama with a range of options. |
Although he favours the extra troops, he also presented the high-risk option of sending no reinforcements. | Although he favours the extra troops, he also presented the high-risk option of sending no reinforcements. |
FROM BBC WORLD SERVICE More from BBC World Service | FROM BBC WORLD SERVICE More from BBC World Service |
Senior aides have told the Associated Press that the emerging thinking suggests the president would be very unlikely to favour a large military increase of the kind advocated by Gen McChrystal. | Senior aides have told the Associated Press that the emerging thinking suggests the president would be very unlikely to favour a large military increase of the kind advocated by Gen McChrystal. |
They also say that although Mr Obama's developing strategy on the Taliban would "not tolerate their return to power" in Afghanistan, he would be prepared to accept a role for the militant group in some regions. | They also say that although Mr Obama's developing strategy on the Taliban would "not tolerate their return to power" in Afghanistan, he would be prepared to accept a role for the militant group in some regions. |
While still dangerous, the Taliban is considered an indigenous movement with local aims, rather than a transnational militant group like al-Qaeda, whose eradication was the aim of the US-led invasion eight years ago. | While still dangerous, the Taliban is considered an indigenous movement with local aims, rather than a transnational militant group like al-Qaeda, whose eradication was the aim of the US-led invasion eight years ago. |
"They're not the same type of group," White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said. | "They're not the same type of group," White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said. |
"It's certainly not backed up by any of the intelligence." | "It's certainly not backed up by any of the intelligence." |
When asked later about working with elements of the Taliban, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said: "We are looking at every possible question that can be raised, including the one that you just asked, in order to determine the smartest approach." | When asked later about working with elements of the Taliban, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said: "We are looking at every possible question that can be raised, including the one that you just asked, in order to determine the smartest approach." |
Mr Obama has said the strategy in Afghanistan must be agreed before a decision can be made on troop numbers. | Mr Obama has said the strategy in Afghanistan must be agreed before a decision can be made on troop numbers. |
Isaf's major combat teams in AfghanistanIsaf's provincial reconstruction teams in Afghanistan | Isaf's major combat teams in AfghanistanIsaf's provincial reconstruction teams in Afghanistan |
Over 40 countries contribute forces to the international mission in Afghanistan. Isaf has full details of current contributing nations. | Over 40 countries contribute forces to the international mission in Afghanistan. Isaf has full details of current contributing nations. |