Just in case you missed this...

...since our media do not appear to have reported it:

SECURITY COUNCIL EXTENDS INTERNATIONAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE FORCE IN AFGHANISTAN FOR ONE YEAR, SEEKS REINFORCEMENTS TO BOOST SECURITY

The resolution passed unanimously; note from the preamble:

[...]

“Reiterating its support for the continuing endeavours by the Afghan Government, with the assistance of the international community, including ISAF and the Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) coalition, to improve the security situation and to continue to address the threat posed by the Taliban, Al-Qaida and other extremist groups, and stressing in this context the need for sustained international efforts, including those of ISAF and the OEF coalition...

“Welcoming the continued coordination between ISAF and the OEF coalition, and the cooperation established between ISAF and the European Union presence in Afghanistan, in particular its police mission (EUPOL Afghanistan)...

I wonder what Jack Layton and Elizabeth May, who both want our troops out quickly, might have to say in response to the Security Council's resolution. Meanwhile, the US is really focusing on Afghanistan now:

Bush Administration Reviews Its Afghanistan Policy, Exposing Points of Contention

But it will take some time do more:

U.S. has no more troops for Afghan war until spring

And here's a creative idea, though I doubt politically saleable in Pakistan at this time:

U.S., Afghans and Pakistanis Consider Joint Military Force

Mark C.

Posted by markc at September 23, 2008 10:17 PM