Afghanistan

Day 2 talks for NATO defence ministers

Uncertainty about how and when the NATO-lead ISAF mission to Afghanistan will end is set to grow this morning when the meeting of the Alliance’s defence ministers goes into its second day.

Yesterday Downing Street announced Britain would relinquish its lead combat role next year - 12 months ahead of schedule. America and France also want to bring fighting units home early.

Though “In Together, Out Together” remains the official position, unity is under severe strain.

This morning when all ISAF contributing nations meet, there will be pressure on NATO’s Secretary-General, Anders Fogh Rasmussen to persuade leading countries not to appear to be heading for an early exit just to appease sceptical voters.

With the three most powerful states publicly declaring their intention to end combat next year the risk of prematurely leaving a dangerously unstable legacy is clear.

Negotiations are now afoot to try and ensure that by NATO’s summit in May the Afghan endgame does not become a dangerously rushed job.