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"Some NATO allies who are not used to fighting in the cold Afghan winter have a caveat against fighting in the snow."

Somehow I don't think Marines from Camp Pendleton (i.e. San Diego) are used to fighting in cold weather either but I'm sure it doesn't stop them from kicking some terrorist booty rain, sleet or snow.

The report reminded me of this Mark Steyn article linked by John Hawkins last week.

That's to say, Norway is "participating" in Afghanistan, but, because its troops are "not sufficiently trained to take part in combat", they've been mainly back at the barracks manning the photocopier or staging amateur performances of Peer Gynt for the amusement of US special forces who like nothing better than to unwind with five acts of Ibsen after a hard day hunting the Taliban.

Comments:

the more friends, the merrier. what is true between individuals is the same between nations... and before we take the splinter out of another's eye, we should focus on the log in ours.. or something like that. you know

# posted by  stuart : 11:22 AM

 

But aren't allies only useful if they actually perform some sort of supportive function? Is it really "merrier" if everyone at the potluck comes empty handed and then bitches about how crappy your food tastes?

Plus our troops have no problem fighting in the snow...or for that matter, fighting period. So the log in the eye analogy doesn't really apply.

We're not even talking about Iraq here, but Afghanistan which the majority of the world actually agreed was necessary.

# posted by  the wingless one : 5:52 AM

 

to answer your potluck question, yes it is still merrier imo. and the analogy absolutely applies, i think you missed the point of the parable...ask a clergyman why.

in any case, good for us... we're tight then. as much of a great point you've made, it's hard to do anything about people who don't own up to their responsibilities... and they certainly would not improve if we decided not to be allies. though i completely agree that many a NATO bud should be doing more.

# posted by  stuart : 11:17 AM

 

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