WTF??? Army Under NATO Command in Afghanistan

[Tempest]

Army Under NATO Command in Afghanistan

Bakersfield Californian
(print only)
Friday, October 29, 2004; Page A14
by Nathan Hodge

<snip>

But McKeon’s force doesn’t answer to the U.S. chain of command in Afghanistan. Instead it is part of the ISAF – the International Security Assistance Force – a NATO-led peacekeeping mission that is responsible for patrolling the Afghan capital of Kabul and a few northern provinces.

It marks the first time a U.S. ground unit has served in a peacekeeping mission under non-U.S. command. And it’s problem the first time since World War I that U.S. troops have served under a French general (the commander of ISAF, Lt. Gen. Jean-Louis Py, is French).

It is an ironic turn of events. Relations between the United States and its European allies hit a new low when NATO members France and Germany – countries Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld disparagingly called “old Europe” – opposed the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq.

<more>

[aden_nak]

1. Isn't that pretty much what Bush always warns that Kerry will do?

This kind of thing would REALLY piss off his base. Especially the French general part.

[Tempest]

2. I can't find the story on the "Internets"

Which is really very strange.

[Kellanved]

3. actually it is a German/French command

The Eurocorps is currently the leading force in Afghanistan, under a French General.

[Sebum]

4. This doesn't sound correct

There were US troops were under UN command in Kosovo