Afghanistan''s future will be decided by the crucial battle for control of the southern part of the country where Canadian troops are located, a top NATO commander said Monday.
"The international community clearly realizes that the main military effort is in southern Afghanistan, so you need to concentrate the bulk of your forces there," Maj.-Gen. Mart de Kruif said in an interview.
"If you talk about successful elections or winning the counter-insurgency, it will be decided in southern Afghanistan."
De Kruif, who has been head of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in the region since last November, predicted the arrival of 17,000 U.S. troops in the area would be a major boost for coalition forces, including Canada''s, in the ongoing battle for Kandahar.
"Kandahar is the most important city," he said. "I would even say perhaps more important than Kabul, based on the history of Kandahar and its position. It is essential."
Kandahar was once a Taliban stronghold and the area that''s close to the Pakistan border still serves as a staging area of sorts for insurgents.
Congratulations on Vicotry Day
The world's most popular sport now has its own day for fans to celebrate — May 25
A conference expected to be held in Dushanbe next week to discuss once again the media law on media
Iran can serve as gateway for Central Asian countries to internal markets, says Iranian ambassador to Tajikistan
Another incident with use of firearms occurs on Tajik-Kyrgyz border
All five Central Asian leaders to attend Victory Day events in Moscow
Tajikistan ranked 1550th out of 180 countries and territories in terms of press freedom
By president’s order Tajik war veterans will receive 40,000 somonis each on the occasion of Victory Day
Tajikistan signs the Declaration on Children, Youth and Climate Action
Italy to host the 58th ADB Annual Meeting in 2025
All news
Авторизуйтесь, пожалуйста