Interview by Der Spiegel with highest-ranking German officer at ISAF headquarters in Kabul, Afhganistan, Major Gen. Bruno Kasdorf. Excerpts of what Major Gen. Kasdorf said:
The limitations that the Germans have placed upon themselves are not regarded as optimal here. If a country takes over reconstruction responsibilities, its teams can, in an emergency, be replaced by reserve units if the Afghans go into battle. That's what we're really talking about here. ...
Much has really already been achieved. Seven million children are going to school; there are 10 universities; and 11,000 kilometers of roads have been built. Perhaps the farmer out in the provinces doesn't see that, but at some point in the future the positive results of this development will touch him. ...
We really do need more forces in order to secure and hold on to areas. That's just one part, though. At least as important are arms, air transport, reconnaissance and, above all, the deployment of specialists. We need a lot more development professionals, advisors and police. I am sure that Afghanistan will be a better place in 20 years. But all of us -- including the Germans -- must think about what we want in Afghanistan, what interests we have here and whether we are ready to deploy the necessary resources.
global war on terror Afghanistan Germany Bruno Kasdorf taliban
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