Good news for all NATO allies currently preparing for the "spring offensive" in Afghanistan:

Political attention swung back to the "forgotten war" yesterday as the Federal Government grappled with its difficulties in Iraq.

Defence Minister Brendan Nelson said a reconnaissance team had gone to Afghanistan to assess whether extra Australian forces were needed.

About 550 Australians are based in Afghanistan, with nearly 400 in Oruzgan province. Their job is about to get tougher as temperatures climb.

"All of our intelligence suggests that the Taliban will this year mount a significant do-or-die offensive across Afghanistan, including in Oruzgan," Dr Nelson said. "If we do need to redeploy Australian defence forces to Afghanistan, we will."

Prime Minister John Howard confirmed the Government was looking at bolstering our commitment to Afghanistan.

"We have not made any decision but I don't rule out some increase there," Mr Howard said.

If only more NATO allies could be more like Australia. Actually, I wish more Canadians could be more like Australia.

In a speech to students at the University of Montreal, Dion reiterated today that a Liberal government led by him would not extend Canada's mission in Kandahar beyond February 2009. He also says he would also inform NATO right away how firm that deadline is and that it must find a replacement nation.

Because all good allies should set a time table for defeat, right Stephie?

Labels: Afghanistan, Australia, Stephane Dion