NATO Could Take Iraq Role

[NNN0LHI]

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20030826/wl_nm/nato_dc&cid=574&ncid=1480

MONS, Belgium (Reuters) - NATO would be capable of deploying a stabilization force in post-war Iraq if the call came even though its members are militarily overstretched across the globe, the alliance's top soldier said on Tuesday.

Gen. James Jones said a Polish-led force of 9,000 troops already operating in south-central Iraq could come under alliance command and it could be bolstered by troops from other countries such as Turkey.

In a wide-ranging interview with Reuters, Jones -- the first U.S. Marine to become Supreme Allied Commander Europe -- also said he was not "unusually alarmed" by the crescendo of guerrilla violence in Afghanistan since NATO took command of peacekeeping operations there this month.

"Right now I'd consider it a spike more than a dramatic increase," he said, referring to the attacks by Taliban remnants and renegade warlords which claimed dozens of lives during the 5,500-strong force's first week in command.

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[bemildred]

1. not "unusually alarmed"

== "My job doesn't seem to be threatened yet."

This guy doesn't sound too sharp, a politician, not a soldier.

[NNN0LHI]

3. To be honest I hate posting stories with the words could, may, possibly,..

...etc., in the headline. I probably shouldn't do it.

Don

[bemildred]

9. It's not you, its the system.

Not much to post if you leave those out.
:+

[meegbear]

2. if the call came ....

which won't beacuse then * wouldn't have total control of the country. Not that he has it now ....

[htuttle]

4. This is another American pipe dream

The conditions for NATO involvement are the same as for UN involvement:

The United States is keen for NATO to take a bigger role in Iraq as the cost and toll on its own forces mounts.

But European allies led by France and Germany, which opposed the Iraq war, want a wider U.N. mandate, an invitation from a legitimate Iraqi body and a role independent of the U.S.-British occupying authority as the price for NATO involvement.

Nothing's changed that I can see, just that the ex-US Marine who's now Supreme Allied Commander Europe got an interview....I think that is the 'exclusive' part. It's his first interview since being appointed commander.

[ixion]

5. spike more than a dramatic increase

means they still don't understand the logic of the people they're fighting. *sigh*

[0007]

6. Just another story to build up the hopes

of the troops and then only to let 'em down again, 'eh?

.....mean while back at the pig farm the hogs are busying having a five star lunch in thegolden trough.

[Ernesto]

7. Hmmmmm

What if NATO showed up to free-lance for the interests of the Euros? Think about it.

[sujan]

8. they can try

Iraqis dont give a shit.