NATO to reinforce its mission in Iraq, warning from Afghanistan dilemma

Our aim is to help build self-sustaining Iraqi forces able to fight terrorism, prevent the return of ISIS, and stabilize their country," added Stoltenberg, citing a "concerning" rise in the number and sophistication of attacks against international forces in Iraq.

During a meeting of the defense ministers of the member states in Brussels, the alliance expressed its readiness to "increase the number and expand its tasks in consultation with the Iraqi authorities and the International Coalition to fight ISIS," adding: "I cannot say at the moment how many will be, planning will start, and the matter will be discussed at the next meeting of defense ministers. In February 2021. "

Stoltenberg warned of "a dilemma arising in the coming months in Afghanistan" due to the United States' desire to withdraw from the country after the conclusion of an agreement with the Taliban and the continuing acts of violence there, and explained: "Either we leave Afghanistan with the risk of losing all the gains and turning the country into a haven for terrorists, or we stay," But that would represent a long commitment with the risk of clashing with the Taliban. "

He added, " the decisions will be discussed together, considering that "the coming months will be crucial."

The NATO training mission in Iraq, led by Canada, was launched in 2018 and includes about 500 soldiers, but the mission was stopped after the killing of the Iranian general Qassem Soleimani, while the alliance entered Afghanistan in 2001 after the international efforts led by America to eliminate the "Taliban" movement, and the alliance ended its combat operations in Afghanistan.

In 2014, significantly reduced its presence on the ground, but it maintains a force of 12,000 soldiers to train and advise local forces.

T/S

ANHA