NATO’s credibility on the line in Afghanistan, says defence secretary

BRITAIN’S Defence Secretary Des Browne warned yesterday that the credibility of the NATO alliance in Afghanistan was on the line as he admitted that the operation had proved harder than expected.

He said the Taliban’s tenacity in the face of heavy losses had come as a “surprise” to commanders.

It was essential, he said, that other NATO members came forward with the additional 2,500 troops called for by commanders.