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Bush Asks NATO for More Afghanistan Troops

President sets agenda ahead of NATO summit

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 2, 2008 7:26 AM CDT

(Newser) – George W. Bush urged his NATO allies to join Romania and France in committing more troops to the war in Afghanistan. “We cannot afford to lose in Afghanistan,” he said. “Whatever the cost, however difficult…we must win.” The speech comes ahead of a major NATO summit beginning today in Bucharest, where Bush will push for more troops and a membership path for Ukraine and Georgia.

Bush reiterated his support for those would-be members, saying the “circle of freedom” had to be extended to include any willing European democracy. Russia sees the Balkan states’ alliance bid as a threat. “The Cold War is over,” Bush said. “Russia is not our enemy.” Bush’s call for troops came just as a former UN envoy to Afghanistan said the country was nearing chaos.

U.S. President George W. Bush gestures as he speaks at the National Bank of Savings Wednesday, April 2, 2008, in Bucharest, Romania.
U.S. President George W. Bush gestures as he speaks at the National Bank of Savings Wednesday, April 2, 2008, in Bucharest, Romania.   (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
US President George W. Bush speaks at the National Bank of Savings Wednesday, April 2, 2008 in Bucharest, Romania.
US President George W. Bush speaks at the National Bank of Savings Wednesday, April 2, 2008 in Bucharest, Romania.   (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
US President George W. Bush speaks at the National Bank of Savings Wednesday, April 2, 2008 in Bucharest, Romania.
US President George W. Bush speaks at the National Bank of Savings Wednesday, April 2, 2008 in Bucharest, Romania.   (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
US President George W. Bush speaks at the National Bank of Savings Wednesday, April 2, 2008 in Bucharest, Romania.
US President George W. Bush speaks at the National Bank of Savings Wednesday, April 2, 2008 in Bucharest, Romania.   (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
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