From the AP: Alliance spokesman James Appathurai said there was “definitely scope for more” collaboration with Russia in the war.
New NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen will make his first visit to Moscow on Tuesday. He has called for a “true strategic partnership” with Russia…
But diplomats accredited to NATO say they want specific help from Russia, especially in donating – rather than selling – weapons to the Afghan army. The new army now numbers nearly 100,000 men but is scheduled to expand to 134,000 by next October, with another 100,000 troops to be added over the next three years.
Two diplomats, who spoke on condition of anonymity in line with standing rules, said the Afghan army – which is already overwhelmingly equipped with Russian arms – would need more machine guns and rocket-propelled grenade launchers, and especially tens of thousands of Kalashnikov AK-47 assault rifles, to complement the field artillery guns and armored vehicles…
NATO is also seeking up to half a dozen refurbished Antonov An-32 light tactical transports to join the four currently in service with the nascent Afghan air force, one of the diplomats said. The planes are specifically designed to perform well in the hot-and-high conditions prevalent in much of Afghanistan. (photo: JPC van Heijst)