Afghanistan, the withdrawal wins, a little out of order (maj)
(BRUSSELS2) The Europeans did not wait long after the American announcement of 30.000 men by the summer of 2012 (including 10.000 this year). But we cannot say that it is very concerted. Everyone does according to the constraints on the ground... but also according to their national agenda.
Belgium was the first to specify, through its Defense Minister, Pieter de Crem, the height of their withdrawal: between 240 and 300 soldiers, mainly soldiers based in Kabul. That's half the workforce. France should withdraw between “a few hundred” as confirmed by Nicolas Sarkozy and 1000 men, by the summer of 2012; the exact figure is not fixed and should be announced in the coming days.
The Poles should withdraw “ in the same proportion that the Americans are part of their workforce, which will begin as soon as the next rotation (on the horizon of October-November), confirmed to 'B2' an official from the Ministry of Defense. By the end of 2012, the entire combat force should be withdrawn (according to a political commitment during the last presidential campaign) giving way to a training mission for Afghan security forces. On the Czech side, a helicopter squadron and the group of special forces will already be withdrawn and around 200 soldiers should follow Afghanistan on 2e half of 2012, the CTK news agency reported.
(updated July 3) The Germans should withdraw the equivalent of the reinforcements sent in 2010, ie around 500 men; effective decision by the end of 2011. While the British should withdraw between 500 and 800 soldiers in 2012, according to the Sunday Times. Decision to be announced on Wednesday by Prime Minister Cameron.
NB: The Netherlands have already transformed their military commitment into a support mission for the Afghan police and should therefore not modify their contingent.
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