Military Committee members told Reuters the response of others in the 28-nation NATO alliance to McChrystal’s call, and of partners in the 42-nation NATO-led force, hinged on Obama.
“Inevitably everybody is waiting for a U.S. lead,” said one senior European officer, who did not want to be identified…
However, a European NATO officer questioned how willing many European countries would be to send more troops, or to follow McChrystal’s advice on the need to drop defensive “garrison postures” and get closer to the people to win them over — even at the risk of higher casualties in the short term.
“Not many are willing to commit more troops. And how many are going to be comfortable with the prospect of higher casualties when they already have problems with public opinion,” that officer said. (photo: Reuters)