Afghanistan attacks condemned by ISAF Commander

A deadly attack in Afghanistan on Thursday has been condemned by the Commander of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).

The attack occurred in the Faryab province and left three ISAF members dead; four members of the Afghan security forces and six civilians were also killed.  Many civilians, coalition members and Afghan security personnel were injured in attack.

An IED  was used in the attack, a form of bomb that is all too commonly used in attacks in the country and responsible for many of the casualties caused to the coalition.

 Marine Corps John R. Allen said:

'Despicable' is the only word to describe the cold, heartless way in which the enemies of peace carried out this attack -- detonating an IED in the middle of a large crowd of civilians."

"My deepest condolences are with all the families of those killed yesterday, and the entire ISAF community prays for the complete recovery of those injured."

"Our partnership with the [Afghan forces] is resolute, intractable, and will not be deterred by these evil and cowardly attacks of desperation," Allen continued. "We are committed to the long-term partnership with our brave Afghan brothers to help them assume responsibility for the security of the Afghan population."

The ISAF announced yesterday that materials used to make mortar bombs and IEDs were uncovered in the Sayyidabad district of  the Wardak province and on 3 April the coalition seized and destroyed weapons and components from the Tulak district of Ghor province; insurgents were detained.as part of the operation.

David Cameron in US for official visit

UK Prime Minister David Cameron was in the United States this week to meet President Barack Obamas as part of an official visit.
The first day was relaxed enough as the two world leaders went to a ball game and ate hot dogs while the President pointed out the finer points of the game to David Cameron.

A press conference and State dinner were all part of the official trip but there were no major announcements regarding policy as a result of the official visit.  Following the press conference, David Cameron and Barack Obama met for talks with Afghanistan highly likely to have been on the agenda and on Thursday David Cameron - along with wife his Samantha - visited a memorial to the victims of 9/11.

Many see this as a reaffirmation of the United States-United Kingdom special relationship although others do not like this term and prefer to call it an essential relationship.

Pictures on the White House website show the PM and the President and their wives stood on a balcony waving to the crowds that were there to greet the British Prime Minister while a notice declares it a 'rock-solid relationship'.

Speaking at the State dinner last night President Obama said:

"As I said this morning, this visit also gives us an opportunity to return the gracious hospitality that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, as well as David and Samantha and all the British people showed us during our visit to London last year.  And I know Michelle looks forward to returning.  Because, as she announced yesterday, she will be leading the U.S. delegation to the opening ceremonies of the Summer Olympics in London."

...But in moments like that, and in all of our interactions -- including today -- I’ve learned something about David.  In good times and in bad, he’s just the kind of partner that you want at your side.  I trust him.  He says what he does, and he does what he says.  And I’ve seen his character.  And I’ve seen his commitment to human dignity, during Libya.  I’ve seen his resolve, his determination to get the job done, whether it’s righting our economies or succeeding in Afghanistan."

Four French troops killed in Afghanistan

Four French soldiers died in Afghanistan after a member of the Afghan National Army opened fire at an operational base in Kapisa, it was reported on Friday  There are also reports of others being injured.

The NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen issued a statement sending his condolences to the families of those who died.

Incidents like this are rare and as the statement from the NATO Secretary General makes clear, 130,00 International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) troops work with 300,000 Afghan troops "And that take a lot of trust among a lot of soldiers".

A statement from the French Prime Minister said:

"Our soldiers have fallen, were injured in the line of duty. This duty is borrowing dignity and nobility. This duty is in the image of these brave men who chose the profession of arms, their bravery and professionalism is great is recognized. And that's why their opponents use methods and as low as vile. This duty is a reflection of their mission to secure a country that was ravaged by years of war and which was exploited by fanatics who were driven from power, but not giving up violence."

"I want to bow to our soldiers deserve all the support of the French, I think of their families, I think of friends, I think of their brothers in arms. I want to send on behalf of the Government a message of solidarity and affection and I ask you to meet with me a minute of silence in their honor."

Some reports say that France may consider pulling its troops out of Afghanistan following the incident but this has not been confirmed.