Don't abandon Afghanistan after 2014 handover, plead generals | World news | The Guardian: "The west must state clearly that it will not abandon Afghanistan after the handover of security to local forces in 2014 or risk further fighting in the region from an emboldened Taliban, the commander of British forces in the country has warned.
In his first interview since becoming second in command of the International Security and Assistance Force (Isaf), General James Bucknall told the Guardian "now is not the time to blink", and pleaded for more patience in the decade-long campaign because progress was being made.
Bucknall spoke amid growing unease in Kabul about what will happen once Nato troops start to be drawn down later this year – an anxiety that has become acute since the death of Osama bin Laden – and the potential effect this may have on US policy. The US has been bankrolling the effort with up to $100bn (£61bn) a year and is negotiating a new strategic partnership with President Hamid Karzai.
One diplomatic source, who asked not to be named, said: "Afghanistan has been the centre of the world for the past 10 years. It isn't anymore and the purse strings from donors will soon tighten. The international military drawdown will begin. There will then be a limited period where there is some money available for non-military efforts.
'After this, many Afghans fear they will then be abandoned again. The international community will say 'job done' and it will be case of presenting it as 'Afghan-good enough.'"
