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NATO warns of forthcoming capability problems in Afghanistan
By Brooks Tigner
28 January 2008
NATO will face serious capability shortfalls in Afghanistan throughout 2008, with manoeuvrability and training for the Afghan National Army (ANA) among the deficiencies topping the list, according to alliance officials.
The shortfall problem, along with Kosovo's bid for independence and the alliance's relations with Russia, will be on the agenda when allied defence ministers gather informally in Vilnius, Lithuania, on 7-8 February, NATO spokesman James Appathurai told reporters in Brussels on 23 January.
The United States government's recent decision, finalised on 15 January, to send an extra 3,200 marines to Afghanistan "will certainly help with [the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force's (ISAF's)] need for manoeuvrability, but ISAF still lacks other assets, particularly rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft. We could also use another [Provincial Reconstruction Team] or two. This will be discussed at Vilnius," said Appathurai.
The mixed military-civilian Provincial Reconstruction Teams are scattered across Afghanistan and are responsible for rebuilding the country's shattered infrastructure.