Nato 'wavering' over Afghanistan

By Caroline Wyatt
BBC defence correspondent

Gen Craddock said the conflict could not be won by military means alone

A top Nato commander has described Western efforts in Afghanistan as "disjointed" and warned that the battle cannot be won by military means alone.

Speaking in London, Gen John Craddock also said the political will in the fight against the Taleban was wavering.

The US general suggested that Nato allies were still failing to supply enough troops to fight the insurgency.

He said security must be provided to enable the Afghan government and its allies to deliver good governance.

General John Craddock has added his voice to a growing chorus of frustration over Afghanistan among Western military commanders.

The conflict in Afghanistan cannot be won by military means alone - we are just one member of a greater team Gen John Craddock

Speaking to the Royal United Services Institute, a military think-tank in London, the general cited the 70 separate restrictions or caveats on what some forces were allowed to do in Afghanistan.

He also warned that military efforts were not being backed up sufficiently on the civilian side. Nato forces, he said, could clear and hold the ground, but it was then up to others to come in to rebuild a civil society.

Disjointed

Gen Craddock echoed recent comments made by Brigadier Mark Carleton-Smith, the outgoing British commander in Helmand Province.

"The conflict in Afghanistan cannot be won by military means alone. We are just one member of a greater team," he said.

"The military must provide a safe and secure environment... we must come together as part of a truly comprehensive approach. The current effort remains disjointed in time and space."

Gen Craddock said there had to be more co-ordination and coherence.

He warned that the Afghan authorities must also do much more to tackle corruption and provide an effective police and justice system, and good governance - otherwise, any military victory would be in vain.