More Troops Needed in Afghanistan, But None Are Coming Now

Britain Must Double Troops In Afghanistan To Beat The Taliban, Warns Senior Brigadier -- Mail Online

Britain needs to double the number of fighting troops in Afghanistan if it wants to defeat the Taliban.

This stark warning comes from the Army's most senior commander in southern Afghanistan.

Brigadier Mark Carleton-Smith, who leads the British contingent in Helmand Province, warned that reinforcements from Pakistan meant the Taliban were 'strong enough to keep this insurgency going'.

It is the first time a senior British commander has delivered such a blunt statement on the need for more men and resources.

There are around 6,500 personnel in Afghanistan, of whom 4,000 are in Helmand Province.

But Brigadier Carleton-Smith said he could 'easily consume' another Brigade of 3,000- 4,000 troops. UK forces have been fighting for two years to push the Taliban out of their former heartland.

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My Comment: This general is stating the obvious, but the problem is that if the troops were there they would be in Afghanistan today. The U.K. is facing massive numbers of soldiers not re-enlistng .... years of Government neglect is now going to take its toll.