EU has the right idea on Afghanistan

Posted By Elizabeth Dickinson Friday, March 27, 2009 - 4:02 PM Share

As U.S. President Barack Obama unveiled his plans for Afghanistan today, the European Union's parallel announcement struck many as feeble: more cash and police trainers, troops not so much.

But might the EU actually have the right idea? As Robert Templer of International Crisis Group writes on The Argument today, police are exactly what both Pakistan and Afghanistan need. The forces today are corrupt and poorly utilized. Street-patrollers could restore security and confidence to chaos-wracked cities and towns. That most basic level of calm is no military task.

Still, critics would have a point that the EU's proposal is far too feeble given the task ahead. Even with the doubling of police trainers, that will put just 400 on the ground. How about a octopoling? Then, I'll be impressed. Read Templer's full piece to understand why.

Daniel Berehulak/Getty Images

EXPLORE:AFGHANISTAN, LAW, PAKISTAN

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