Through concerns that have arisen and the lagged process going on in Afghanistan, the US top commander in Afghanistan has launched a review of its mission there. The biggest focus will be on the counter-terrorism efforts.
Admiral William Fallon who is the head of US Central Command ordered senior staff to conduct the review. This will be a thorough review of the war against Al-Qaeda and its Taliban allies in Afghanistan that had lasted for six years. Admiral Fallon said he will not consider new recommendations until the review is completed.
The New York Times was the first to report the study.
Early this year, United States intelligence concluded that Al-Qaeda carved a new safe haven since the Taliban was overthrown after the September 11 attacks on both New York City and Washington DC. This news comes at the same time as officials are talking about the success in Iraq.
While it says that violence as decreased in Iraq, the violence and rate of attacks by the Taliban have increased in Afghanistan. It’s said that the Taliban has become more diverse as they are joined by local fighters for pay, warlords, and drug bosses.
Robert Gates, the current US Secretary of Defense has urged for greater support from NATO allies in the country. One of the reasons for the review is attributed by the lack of coordination and support on NATO’s part.