Nominated Interior Minister Atmar pledges to recruit an additional 63,000 police personnel over the next four years; NATO Chief Rasmussen promises to stand by Afghanistan : 8 people killed in a suicide attack in Kandahar;
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    • President Karzai’s nominee for the portfolio of Interior Ministry, Muhammad Hanif Atmar pledged to increase the number of police force to 160,000 from the existing 97,000 by recruiting additional 63,000 policemen over the next four years. While seeking a vote of confidence from the Wolesi Jirga on December 22, Atmar added that strengthening and equipping police force would be the top priority of his Ministry for the upcoming five years.1

    Meanwhile, reiterating NATO’s commitment to Afghanistan, its Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen affirmed that NATO troops will stay in Afghanistan as long as necessary despite difficulties involved. He further noted, “The international community will stand with you, will protect you and help rebuild your country until you are ready to stand on your own and prevent terrorism from taking root in this country once again.”2 Rasmussen would be visiting Afghanistan for the first time since NATO allies pledged 6,800 extra troops in addition to the 30,000 US soldiers committed by US President Barack Obama to fight the Taliban.3

    According to the Afghan Police, 8 people were reportedly killed in a suicide bomb attack near a hotel known to be frequented by foreigners in the southern city of Kandahar. At least three other people including a police officer were injured in the blast.4

    In other developments, German Defence Minister, Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg noted that the Afghan political system is not suitable for a democratic set up. The comments published in a newspaper braced skepticism over Germany’s role in the military operations in Afghanistan. “I’ve long come to the belief that Afghanistan, because of its history and background, is not currently suited to be a model democracy by our standards," Guttenberg stated.5

    British Prime Minister Gordon Brown discussed the January 28, 2010 International Conference on Afghanistan to be held in London with President Karzai over telephone. A follow up moot is also proposed to be held later in Kabul as reports noted.6

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