From the Wall Street Journal: French Defense Minister Hervé Morin defended his country’s decision to send only 80 additional military trainers to Afghanistan, saying France has already increased its presence by 1,300 soldiers in less than two years.

Speaking after meetings here with his American counterpart, Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Mr. Morin said Paris had sent hundreds of additional troops—which brought France’s presence to about 3,700—at a time “no other European country was increasing their strength” in Afghanistan. “We have made an enormous effort since July 2008,” Mr. Morin said…

France was the last major ally to announce its commitment, and the 80 trainers were far fewer than the U.S. had anticipated. The French announcement follows a similarly lower-than-expected move from another major troop supplier, Germany, which will add 850 troops. (photo: EPA)