Germany rejects US demand to increase Afghan deployment
Independent. UK
2 February 2008
A bitter diplomatic row between Germany and the United States deepened yesterday after Berlin flatly rejected demands from Washington that it deploy troops in war-torn southern Afghanistan and angrily dismissed the request as "impertinent" and a "fantastic cheek".
Washington had stepped up pressure on Berlin to commit troops to the south.
The move followed increased Taliban attacks and threats from Canada that it would withdraw its Afghanistan contingent completely unless more Nato troops were sent south.
Two US non-governmental studies released this week warned that Afghanistan could once again become a failed state.
Independent
The "coalition" crumbles, as row between Germany and US deepens.
