28 January 2009: Daily Telegraph
Afghanistan is entering a "critical period" that could decide the future of Nato's mission in the country, the International Institute for Strategic Studies said on Tuesday.
By David Blair, Diplomatic Editor
Later this year, Afghanistan should see both presidential elections and the arrival of another 20,000 American troops. But the IISS pointed to widespread violence, a stubborn insurgency mounted by Taliban gunmen and the failure of President Hamid Karzai's government to extend its control over much of the country.
Moreover, Nato's campaign is dogged by disagreements between the allies. Both Canada and Holland, which have deployed troops in the most dangerous areas of southern Afghanistan, where they serve alongside British and American forces, are trying to end their combat role. Britain is under pressure to match America's greater commitment and send more soldiers, on top of the 8,000 already present.
"In Afghanistan, we are entering what is probably the most critical period since 2001," said John Chipman, the chief executive of the IISS.
"Presidential elections are due to take place this year amid rising violence and with a government that is unable to exert its authority in the provinces. Against this background, there is a risk that it will not be possible to hold elections, or voter turnout may be below the minimum necessary for the ballot to be valid. The integrity of the whole international mission in Afghanistan is therefore very much at stake."
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