Of course the european should do more.

Germany, France, Italy should send at least 2000 troops each.

Afghanistan needs more than help from Europe – it needs a vision. The community of nations in the EU can change the tone of the Afghan conflict. American forces need help building a dialogue with Afghanis, and Europe can bridge the gap – but only if Europe itself takes steps to participate in a "vision" way.

I am worried that President Obama may decide to deepen the commitment of US forces to the Afghan conflict as he has indicated in earlier statements.

what type of impact will nato bring to the middle east? why do we waste our time and money on a lost casuse. the talibon, who are they, can u name one let alone find one. maybe we should leave the middel east and fight our problems on our own soil that would be the news that the people want to here.

It's in the Europeans' best interests to do more in Afghanistan, because terrorism affects them as much as it affects us. It's about easing citizen's concerns of national & international safety, effectiveness of government, and let these European country's leaders not forget attacks have been carried out in their countries as well.

"War on Terror" is a pretty broad description of an enemy. I think that with the Obama administration throwing out the use of this phrase and instead constructing a war based on accomplishable goals, other nations may be more apt to participate. Maybe we can all really end this mess.

Yes, I do think the Europeans should help us more in Afghanistan and think had it not been for all of the Bush Administrations lies regarding Iraq, they would. It is understandable that their support thus far is what it is. Hopefully as they see Obama is a President to be trusted their support will increace.

Absolutely..... Europe should not simply expect the United States to shoulder Military component alone. As Obama said – "This is a Joint Problem and requires a joint effort."

As much as the rest of the world looks to us to help them we are still looked as being able to help ourselves. The threats in Afghanistan and Pakistan while they are closer to Europe pose the greatest threat to us. The last administration really ramped up the hatred for the US by misleading the world and causing our country to enter into a war with someone who although was a menace was only a threat to Bush's family ego. We caused the mess and it is really up to this administration to set things right. We can only begin to mend the friendships that were damaged by Bush, we can not expect them to clean up the mess. So, whatever aid civilian, monetary or otherwise we get, at this point we should just be grateful that so many countries now are at least willing to talk to us and try and mend the fractures of the past. While wars can affect everyone, those who caused must end them.

Any country which believes in civilization should support Afghanistan. There should be NO OTHER motive. If the world countries are convinced of this, it has to be acceptable to all (including Europe). The NATO should ideally be disbanded post 1990 and UN be the only International force

Its obvious to the europeans that a stable Afganistan means a stable Europe and a Better still a better world Economy.

Its obvious to the europeans that a stable Afganistan means a stable Europe and a Better still a better world Economy-Nigeria

I think Obamas move is quite calculated and strategic and he doesn't want to come through as forcing his European allies into dancing the American music like Bush did. And look at how the magic I'd working. He is affable, people are ready to listen to him and back him (France and Germany on board) and ultimately he goes on to takenthe drivers seat in controlling the agenda and providing leadership. Now that is going to score points for the US in the fight against the Talibans and Al Qaeda and at the same timenbuild Afghanistan independent of this long war. I hope Bush is watching this and learns something although it's too late in the day for this. We love Obama. Good man!

It is amazing to see how a nation such as Macedonia is among the top contributing nations of troops (per capita) in Afghanistan operations although it is a non-NATO member yet. The numbers speak for themselves: http://www.nato.int/isaf/docu/epub/pdf/isaf_placemat.pdf

Yesterday's NATO summit in Strasbourg and Kehl was supposed to be the day when Macedonia too joins NATO along with Croatia and Albania, but this didn't happen due to the infamous Greek veto and the Macedonia naming dispute. Numbers show that countries like Greece and other Western European (NATO) members contribute 5 or more times less troops per capita, than tiny Macedonia or Estonia for example. I hope the US sees this clearer than ever as an indicator of the need for some serious rethinking in the US – NATO strategy. Article 5 protects all allies. In reality it is primarily the US who could truly implement such guarantees or collective security. It is high time to see true allies work with an ally in need, solidarily and in proportion with each member state's strength. In Afghanistan modern weaponry plays secondary role. It's the ground troops and field personnel that will make a difference on a terrain like Afghanistan's. There are far too many verbal allies in the structure.

President Obama and the American people can count on an increased Macedonian support as Macedonians go to the polls today to elect their new President and local government soured by the fact that NATO's door was slammed in front of them despite the fact that their country fulfilled every single criteria for NATO membership. Our help may not be that significant in net numbers, but it's genuine.

Of course the Europeans need to contribute more troops for a long mission in Afghanistan. European leaders need also to explain to their populations why it is important to take the fight to the Taleban and Al Qaeda.

The Europeans have much to lose if they don't. After standing at the sidelines for most of eight years and blaming George Bush for everything, and for good reason, Europe 's democracies should now help foot the bill in Afghanistan and elsewhere.

And they should do it quickly before Obama's popularity wears away which is what will happen if the near-euphoria at the G20 summit is not sustained by concrete efforts on the ground that produce enduring results.

The summary test of the Obama presidency is how to lead the world in combating extremism and nuclear proliferation while revitalizing a global economy mired in one of its deepest crisis without dropping the ball on the all-important area of promoting greater respect for human rights. And we're not even talking about problems at the American home front here. It is an extremely difficult juggling act and an impatient world is watching as to just how Obama can deliver. Renewed optimism indicated by France's reentry into the NATO military structure is a step that bolsters Obama's chances of success. But he definitely needs all the support he can get from all his European allies if he hopes to get even a passing grade on this one.

And yes, because this concerns the Atlantic, we've not even discussed the Russians, the Chinese, much of Asia and the North Koreans who just fired a long-range missile over Japan and into the Pacific. Hmmm... Barack Obama really has his work cut out for him.

From the Philippines, we wish him well.

I do not think that Europe at this time should put more troops to Afghanistan.
Instead we should put much more effort to rebuilt Afghanistan, which, if America would have done so in the first place, provides much more sucess to bring peace to this region.
If Pres. Obama, who has now very much credit over here in Europe, will follow a new strategy that puts aid before arms, then maybe the fight against Al-quaida can be won.
But it will all depend on if the West is listening to the people of Afghanistan instead of denouncing them.
Until there are still many innocent victims under the population, being bombed by US, Nato forces things will not become better.

Dear Ralitsa,

Not only Europe, the threath is for any country direct or indirectly. If the world doesn't show punishment f.e Afghanistan, it will be like a fire spreading around. through f.e. the UN with leader USA!
Look at North Korea. They do what they want with so many internal problems (hunger!) South Korea shouldn't talk at all for the whole world is already against North Korea and its actions.
Clear message, clear actions.

President Obama can only succeed in getting Europeans behind him in his efforts to combat terrorism in Afghanistan if he has the support of his people (Americans) behind him. He has a very good focus on changing the world and at the moment, he is evidently popular at home as he is abroad. His charisma and statesmanship is beyond compare and thats why everyone is so much inspired by him.

The rest of the world is watching reactions from the US, and if Americans show that they embrace his policies and are ready to work with him, I can see that he would have an overwelming support for his stance against terrorism not only in Afghanistan and Pakistan but wherever it can be found.

Hi, Ralitsa, you're one of my favorite anchors. Trust needs to be built up again in Europe and with Russia. The U.S. has lied too many times in the past years. Instread of developing better relationships which would serve the interest of all, the U.S. distanced itself during the past administration with Bush's "my way or no way" attitude.

No country wants to send their sons and daughters off to a fruitless war. France opposed the Iraqi Invasion because it was unfounded and illegal, U.S. Americans mocked them for it (remember "freedom fries"?). The "war" was exposed to be a lie. U.S. Americans have got to change their attitude.

As you know, Obama has a high approval rating in Europe. It is a huge step forward that more international troops are being sent to Afghanistan. Once the Europeans see that they can trust the U.S.A. again, there will be more cooperation. Obama is doing a great job. One has to take little steps before one can take big steps.

While Bush was in office, Europeans politicians were no doubt keen not to be too closely associated with an American-led conflict in Afghanistan, but with the new American administration it will be necessary for Europe to make some kind of renewed effort there. Obama has put a lot of stake in using diplomacy and multilateralism, and if there is only a weak attempt by Europeans to meet America at least part way, it risks undermining Obama politically and giving fuel to his opponents in the US and it is in the interests of neither Europe nor America to squander the renewed spirit of transatlantic cooperation. Part of the problem, though, is that the European political elite have failed to explain to the public the importance of the conflict in Afghanistan for European security. If NATO is to achieve concrete results in Afghanistan, then its role needs to be supported and appreciated on both sides of the Atlantic.

Being European, and pro US and for the first time in a long time pro US government and it's policies, but not from a NATO member country I think its important to remember a few things in this discussion. Europe was not part of starting the military operations in Afghanistan, neither was our opinion asked for. It was a US/NATO decision to act in Afghanistan, nothing else. The correct question would in my opinion be; Should the NATO members do more to help in Afghanistan and should NATO request more help from the European countries? My answer would be; Yes, NATO countries should do more to help the US in Afghanistan. Yes, Europe should be asked for more assistance but it should not be a matter of "We simply expect Europe to do more".

Hoping for troop supply lines through Russia is probably a waste of time. Both Russia and China has showed how interested they are in cooperating with EU and US by using their veto rights in UN on several occasions. By using their veto they have in a way supported not only each other on very questionable issues but also Iran and North Korea.

-Rickard

As a European, I feel that Europe should do everything it can to help in Afghanistan. However, it must be noted that Afghanistan as a single unit is probably ungovernable; therefore someone needs to think up a really good strategy to at least stabilise the country.

Patsy

Please read im a 27 year old man that comes from a a great fam. tell me what you think about this idea insted of giving $$ to GM why dont they give that $ to working famillys that have paid taxes for at lease 10 years. And make a law that they can only and I mean only spend it on new cars that are great for the world. So if you think about it the car company gets the $ back in there pocket and saves jobs not just save jobs but make jobs all over. It would make jobs even in auto part stores. And then allso the familly that gets the $ for the new car should even give one of there old cars back for scrap that would once again make more jobs but the best thing of all it helps out on polution. and Global Warming. and ya I no I cant spell.

Dear Ralitsa Vassileva

In the 7,5 years since 9/11 more people got killed in the USA and Europe by falling from a horse whilst riding in the countryside.
Also since that date over 300.000 Americans died in car accidents in the USA and over a 100.000 in the USA were murdered in the same period whereas thousands needlessly drowned in floods.
Who is guarding the safety of the American population and where are your (US) priorities.
Need some more Europeans to help out in the USA as well ?

As long as the USA supports corrupt leaderships where suitable serving mainly US interests and disregards Governments like the Iranian, no lasting piece will appear in Afghanistan or for that sake in Iraq.

I have spend in both Countries much time during the last 30 years and was told 1 time by a Soviet General whilst standing on a bridge on the mainroad from Kabul to Hairaton, just before their retreat from Aghanistan : "Comrade ... Afghans are like stones quickly changing into fighters with Kalashnikovs before you notice it and become stones again in the same speed with great skill.
Therefore make piece with the tribes one by one first and ignore Kabul completely.
Have a safe trip and come back alive and in 1 piece".
------

Best regards,

René Woestenburg

Your commentary makes no mention of the UK's relatively significant contribution. Of course I sress relatively – relative to the population size of the U.S.. I feel this is almost tantamount to insulting to the U.K. forces.

And here we go again....

Reading the latest information from the Security Council concerning the N. Korean missile (satellite?) launch: "The US and EU said the launch demanded a strong response from the Security Council, but China and Russia have called for restraint."

-Rickard

I use to think highly of Europe as an intellectual globally conscious continent. But now toe-to-toe with our worldly President, the European leaders are showing their true colors. Obama has articulated the necessity of the Afghan mission and shown that it is important to both Europe and the U.S. in order to prevent safe havens for terrorists to form again in Afghanistan. It's true that Bush blew the momentum in Afghanistan by perilously venturing into Iraq. But Obama is different- he does not have an ambitious plan to reshape the Middle East. He has a focussed plan against the Taliban and Al Qaeda. Can Europeans fight for a just cause or do they just prefer smiling next to Obama in a photo-op? Do they remember Normandy?

Europe should be just as invested in Afghanistan as the United States. Terrorists have attacked both sides of the Atlantic and it is sad to see that many people are already discounting all the lives that are lost from these terrible acts. The world needs to wake up. TERRORISM MUST BE STOPPED!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yay. Our new prez will do what he can to ensure that Europe does help out. He's even workin to find ways to get Arabians on board. Obama inherited a diplomatic mess. Our foreign policies were a private contractor's dream come true that cost our blinded nation trillions.
It will take awhile for us as a nation to get ourselves past the notion that we are like "Team America: World Police". It will take the rest of the world awhile to begin to take us seriously again. Luckily we have elected the right man for this job. Ah, what a relief it is to find some pride in our leadership again.

Thanks to all who took the time to read my Blog and comment. I will be reading some of your thoughts in my shows this coming weekend at 21:00 and 22:00 GMT. Best to all. Ralitsa

US attacked and invaded Afghanistan based on unjustified allegations. They destroyed their cities, thus US should be fully responsible for rebuilding and other damages. Europe had no part in US invasion of Afghanistan, thus they have no obligation to help.

The lack of internal security, the recent killings among the people and the jobless in the US should call the only attention to President Obama. The US is a great and rich nation that should stop being Team America: World Police, I do not see gains on that. Terror and unwanted immigration in the US and Europe is the result of bad politics around the world. Because we the people know more than they think, politicians must review their interests. The G-20 protesters around the world does not say anything to you?
Democracy is for Occident, not for the Islamic World and, who cares about the North Korean missile? Be smart and let Russia and China take care of it, they already adviced restraint at the Security Council which actually is a Non Security entity.
"War on Terror" are words from the Bush Administration and he left already, let start a "War for Peace" bringing our troops home. That would be our first step to stop depending on oil and start spending the money on peace for the well being of America.
If the US still needs oil, make business with Irak, Afghanistan and Iran, I bet the people in those countries will endure, no matter how many soldiers and armament we keep over there. We should realize once and for all that they are ancient civilizations quite different from us.
Last and not least, everybody should see the movie "Alexander the Great". He did not listen Aristoteles wise advice to not get involved with the East and, Alexander the Great lost his Empire. The UK already did it and finally lost his Empire. Business is the key, not war.

Europeans are not going to dance to Obama's music because of his "Hollywood " smile, they are too smart for that prank. Only UK provided some support and Gordon Brown is trying very hard to please both sides of his existance, regardless of the fact that Obama had been rudeness towards Britain and his handling of the visit of the PM G. Brown, to Washington on March 6, 2009, was shocking:
..."First Brown wasn't granted a press conference with flags, then one was hastily arranged in the Oval office after the Brits had to beg"...
Finally, topped all with the American press coverage of Gordon Brown's visit had been non-existent, thus ignored.

Yes Indeed im here

Yes Indeed im here..........yes heaven sent...Obama is the fallen saint Cane

ok no offence but i think that its messed up that we cant fight OUR own BATTLES we have to call other COUNTRYS to do the DIRTY work for us. and obama said that he would work on getting troops out of Afganistan and he is just putting more american and europen troops out there cuz he wont TRY to sit down with the president of Afganistan and try to solve what Bush has done to this country. i dont think that Europe should suffer from our mistakes and that we need to start either fighting our own battles or SOLVE them. Im 15 and im so sick of hearing about all of this... im sick of america hiding behind other countrys ya its a good thing that we are friends with other countrys but would you want your friends fight your battles for you? i wouldnt want them to so ya terrorism had to me stopped but not by VIOLENCE..... has it ever really SOLVED any thing...?

finally president Obama recognises that a continous war, "the so called war on terror" is very vague to say the least. Any man with common sense will and should no that violence has never and can never have any positive effect. have we asked ourselves, what is it that makes people willing to die for a cause? may be when we ask that question then the world can become a more peaceful place.

Please : FOCUS ON AFRICA NOW and Ignore the Middle East they are not interested in peace.

It is time to focus on AFRICA and leave these Arabs and Islaelis to doke it out till a clear winner is found or create a North and South Korean like DMZ.

AFRICA need the Marshal plan today – we are the next prosumers and consumers of the world good and services to kick start the economies:

Appeal to Congress, NATO and EU and Prez Obama

Issah
Toronto

The Brits & the Russians had NO luck getting the Taliban outta Afghanistan, under control or wiped out. The U.S. won't have any luck w/ this either. All we could've hoped to have done is to have pursued Al-Qaeda there, from the start, back before the pre-Iraq/Bush War long ago. By leav'g Afghanistan, for the never-ending battles in Iraq, Bush blew the chance of wiping out Al-Qaeda, who now fight w/ the Taliban & recruit new members from all over the world. The U.S. will meet w/ the same problems that the Brits & Russians did. That's why the Europeans don't want to send troops to Afghanistan. It's already been tried & lost twice. Thanks again to Bush for NOT keeping us safe at all. At least "W" 's Finally gone. Pres. Barack Obama is extremely intelligent, listens to his people in the field, & may come to realize the futility of this "2nd War", & the enormous resistance of the Taliban fighters.