U.S. Defence Secretary Robert Gates made a quick visit to Kandahar to speak with front-line commanders. He said they described U.S. and NATO forces as "holding their own" against the insurgents in the south.
"Everybody would agree that holding your own isn't good enough," Mr. Gates said, adding that two more U.S. combat brigades will arrive in Afghanistan in the spring.
In addition to the new American troops, Mr. Gates suggested that an extended Canadian commitment would be appreciated in the dangerous zone around Kandahar, known as Regional Command South.US Defense Secretary Robert Gates arrives at Kandahar Air field Thursday in Kandahar, Afghanistan. While at Kandahar Gates met General David McKiernan, commander International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and commander of U.S. forces Afghanistan and held a town hall meeting with troops. (Scott Olson/AFP)"
The countries that have partnered with the United States and Afghanistan here in RC-South have made an extraordinary commitment," Mr. Gates said.
"Proportionally, none have worked harder or sacrificed more than the Canadians. They have been outstanding partners for us, and all I can tell you, as has been the case for a very long time, the longer we can have Canadian soldiers as our partners, the better it is."
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