Gen. McKiernan demands 10,000 additional troops in Afghanistan to strengthen Afghan economy

The top U.S. military commander in Afghanistan said Wednesday that he needs more troops and other aid “as quickly as possible” in a counterinsurgency battle that could get worse before it gets better.

Gen. David McKiernan said it will take more than adding troops to stabilize Afghanistan – including efforts to strengthen the Afghan government, improve the economy and build its military and police forces.

Speaking to Pentagon reporters, the head of NATO forces in Afghanistan said there has been a significant increase in foreign fighters coming in from neighboring Pakistan this year – including Chechens, Uzbeks, Saudis and Europeans. And he said he needs the more than 10,000 additional forces he has requested, in part, to increase his military campaigns in the south and east where violence has escalated.

“The additional military capabilities that have been asked for are needed as quickly as possible,” he said, adding that he is hoping to get units that will be able to both fight the insurgents and serve as trainers for the Afghan Army and police.

McKiernan, who is scheduled to meet with President Bush late Wednesday, said he was encouraged by recent Pakistani military operations against insurgents waging cross-border attacks into Afghanistan.

But he also said that it is too soon to tell how effective they have been.