Transatlantic Focus:
A U.S. Foreign Policy Newsletter

Special Edition: NATO EXPANDS TO SOUTHERN AFGHANISTAN

FROM AFGHANISTAN

Remarks on the Transfer of Authority  Lt. Gen. Karl Eikenberry, commander, Combined Forces Command – Afghanistan, July 31, 2006. "Today is a great day for the people of Afghanistan, the NATO International Security Assistance Force, and the U.S.-led Coalition. It is an even greater day for future generations of Afghans, for this ceremony that you just witnessed underscores the international community’s commitment to helping the people of this great country achieve the peace and prosperity that they rightly deserve. The march up to this historic day has been marked by intensive preparation and coordination between the Coalition and our ISAF partners." more

NATO assumes command in southern Afghanistan. Combined Forces Command – Afghanistan, Coalition Press Information Center, July 31, 2006. NATO’s International Security Assistance Force assumed command from Coalition forces in southern Afghanistan July 31, continuing a process that began with the establishment of ISAF in Kabul in August 2003. more

Remarks on the Transfer of Authority Lt. Gen. David Richards, commander International Security and Assistance Force – Afghanistan - July 31, 2006. Key to the progression of this work is a seamless transition of military operations, from the Coalition to ISAF. Mr Vice President, let me assure you that there will be no dip in activity or capability as NATO takes over this mission in south. more

Kabul podcast NATO extends its mission to Southern Afghanistan, Mark Laity - NATO's civilian spokesman in Afghanistan - gives a feel for life in Kabul and beyond in a weekly audio diary, recorded live from Kabul. Click here to listen.

Photo Gallery: Instructors from the Alpine Training Centre in Aosta and soldiers from the 2nd Alpini regiment conduct a climbing course for ANA soldiers full gallery

FROM WASHINGTON

NATO Taking Over Critical Provinces in Southern Afghanistan  U.S. General James Jones, NATO’s top operational commander, issued formal orders July 31 for the military alliance to begin operating in four critical provinces of southern Afghanistan, including Kandahar. "NATO will now assist the government of Afghanistan in providing security across approximately 75 percent of Afghanistan’s territory," alliance officials said in a news release July 28 from NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, following formal approval of the expansion by NATO’s North Atlantic Council. NATO forces are scheduled to take over Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs) in Helmand, Kandahar, Uruzgan and Zabul provinces, bringing a total of 13 PRTs under NATO control. Read a Background Article on the Transfer of Authority

World Cannot Give Up on Afghanistan, Coalition Officials Say DoD website The world cannot give up on Afghanistan or “we’ll be right back where we were on Sept. 10, 2001,” a spokesman for Combined Forces Command Afghanistan said here. Army Col. Thomas W. Collins said the world cannot afford to let the Taliban come back to power in the country. The world cannot allow groups like al Qaeda to have free rein to plan and execute the attacks like that of 9-11. Coalition, NATO and Afghan forces are working together to defeat the terrorist threat in the short-run and help the Afghan people prosper so extremist ideologies don’t appeal to them. Attacks have increased in 2006, Collins said.  more

Authority transfers from Coalition to NATO/ISAF in southern provinces of Afghanistan ISAF Public Information Office - July 31, 2006 NATO's International Security Assistance Force assumed command from Coalition forces in southern Afghanistan today.  more

Transatlantic Focus: A U.S. Foreign Policy Newsletter
is published and distributed by the Public Affairs Section of the United States Mission to NATO - Brussels.