(THIS ARTICLE IS MACHINE TRANSLATED by Google from Norwegian)
- The Taliban is stronger than what Norwegian public opinion is aware of, something we already became aware of when the Defense Committee was in Afghanistan last year. It shows how difficult it is for Western democracies to go into other cultures and tribal structures. It takes a little to be able to bring about changes, says Gunnar Halvorsen, one of the Labor Party's representatives in the defense committee.
- Have developments in Afghanistan changed your view of military operations?
- No, unlike Iraq, after all, a UN resolution was the basis for overthrowing the regime in Afghanistan. The Taliban had hijacked a country, and that is not possible.
- But do you see any difference between Operation Enduring Freedom and the ISAF force?
- I think both have to be in Afghanistan. The ideal would be UN forces. But the realistic thing is that the UN is asking the United States, NATO or others to carry out military missions for the world community.
- So you support that Norwegian special forces will now be sent to Afghanistan under American command?
- I have not perceived that the special forces will be under American command in Operation Enduring Freedom. I assume they are going to Kabul and the north of the country under ISAF command. I am therefore surprised by your problem, and find it difficult to answer this.
- What if SV after the election in a red-green government demands that the special forces be withdrawn?
- It is irrelevant as long as we have binding agreements. Another thing is in the event of an extension of the agreement. But I think such a government solves this in the chamber through compromises, says Halvorsen.
