Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Bush Pledges More Troops for Afghanistan

Gates confident new administration will honor promise to NATO

By Nick McMaster, Newser Staff

Posted Apr 4, 2008 1:40 PM CDT

(Newser) – The US will boost the number of its troops committed to NATO's effort in Afghanistan in 2009, President Bush told fellow alliance members at this week's summit, Reuters reports. Defense Secretary Robert Gates related the pledge to reporters as he left the Bucharest summit. He didn’t specify a figure, saying only that it would be a “significant contribution.”

The secretary said the increase will go forward regardless of troop levels in Iraq, the AP reports. Gates said he was confident that the next president will deliver on Bush’s pledge because of the broad political support the Afghanistan effort commands at home. On the last day of the NATO summit, Russia agreed to allow the use of its territory for the land-based delivery of non-lethal supplies to the forces in Afghanistan.

US President George W. Bush and Secretary of Defense Robert Gates arrive for the start of the third day of the NATO summit in Bucharest Friday. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)

President George W. Bush, left, and first lady Laura Bush walk from Air Force One upon their arrival at the Zagreb airport, Croatia, Friday, April 4, 2008. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic, Pool)

President George W. Bush laughs during a meeting on the third day of the NATO summit in Bucharest Friday. (AP Photo/Yves Logghe)

President George W. Bush arrives on the third day of the NATO summit in Bucharest Friday. (AP Photo/Yves Logghe)

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

To report an error on this story, notify our editors.

More Newser Stories

Panetta: US Combat Role in Afghanistan Over in 2013

But American, NATO troops will still have 'robust' advisory role

(NEWSER) - At some point next year, the US will no longer be fighting a war in Afghanistan for the first time in a decade. "Hopefully by mid to the latter part of 2013 we’ll be able to make a transition from a combat role to a training, advise, and assist role,” defense chief Leon Panetta told reporters today. That applies to NATO troops as well, and it's the first time the Obama administration has put a date on it, reports the New York Times and Washington Post . More»

NATO: Taliban Rocket Likely Downed Helicopter

Officials working to recover every single piece

(NEWSER) - The helicopter that crashed over the weekend in Afghanistan, killing 30 US troops and eight others, was likely shot down by a Taliban rocket, NATO forces said today. Though the Taliban was quick to claim responsibility, Western officials had been tight-lipped until today's announcement, Reuters notes. The Navy SEALs and other service members in the helicopter were on their way to assist other troops from the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) when the copter was shot down. More»

US Troops Mark Memorial Day in Iraq, Afghanistan

Soldiers honor fallen comrades

(NEWSER) - US soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan remembered their fallen comrades in Memorial Day services nearly a decade after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks that sparked the Afghanistan war. In that country, dawn flag-raising ceremonies honored the more than 1,400 who have been killed, the AP reports. "We reflect on those who have gone before us. We reflect on their service and their sacrifice on behalf of our great nation," said a Marine commander. "We should also remember those serving today who embody that same commitment of service and sacrifice." More»

Afghan Killed 9 Americans After Disarming Them

Pilot shot them after argument; brother denies Taliban link

(NEWSER) - The grim details are taking shape in the wake of today's shooting at Kabul's airport . All nine victims were Americans—eight US troops and one contractor—who were training members of Afghanistan's fledgling air force. The shooter, an Afghan pilot, got into an argument with the trainers, left the room, then re-entered and forced the Americans to remove their weapons, reports ABC News . When they were disarmed, he shot them with a US-provided semi-automatic. He then apparently fatally shot himself. More»

6 US Soldiers Killed Near Pakistan Border

Kunar province among Afghanistan's most violent

(NEWSER) - Six US soldiers were killed during an attack on an insurgent hideout near Afghanistan’s border with Pakistan, the Washington Post reports. The deaths that resulted from the helicopter-driven assault are the latest reminder of the US struggle in the isolated Kunar province. The US has lately shifted its attention away from the region—one of Afghanistan’s most violent since 2005—concentrating instead on population centers. More»

NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS

What is Newser?

Face it: there's too much news. At Newser, we choose the most thought-provoking and entertaining stories from hundreds of US and international sources and reduce them to a headline, picture, and two paragraphs. And we do it 24/7—you can come back morning, noon, night (and in between) for something new that matters. Read less, know more.

Learn more »

Partnering with: Slate

View Newser on the mobile website

Bush Pledges More Troops for Afghanistan

Gates confident new administration will honor promise to NATO

OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Afghanistan • Russia • War on Terror • NATO • US military • US troops • supply chain • George W. Bush • NATO summit

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Panetta: US Combat Role in Afghanistan Over in 2013

But American, NATO troops will still have 'robust' advisory role

NATO: Taliban Rocket Likely Downed Helicopter

Officials working to recover every single piece

US Troops Mark Memorial Day in Iraq, Afghanistan

Soldiers honor fallen comrades

Afghan Killed 9 Americans After Disarming Them

Pilot shot them after argument; brother denies Taliban link

6 US Soldiers Killed Near Pakistan Border

Kunar province among Afghanistan's most violent

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?

Bush Pledges More Troops for Afghanistan

Gates confident new administration will honor promise to NATO

Bookmark & Share

OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Afghanistan • Russia • War on Terror • NATO • US military • US troops • supply chain • George W. Bush • NATO summit

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Panetta: US Combat Role in Afghanistan Over in 2013

But American, NATO troops will still have 'robust' advisory role

NATO: Taliban Rocket Likely Downed Helicopter

Officials working to recover every single piece

US Troops Mark Memorial Day in Iraq, Afghanistan

Soldiers honor fallen comrades

Afghan Killed 9 Americans After Disarming Them

Pilot shot them after argument; brother denies Taliban link

6 US Soldiers Killed Near Pakistan Border

Kunar province among Afghanistan's most violent

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?