The Nato states must persevere

In view of recent events in Kunduz province and the rising number of military casualties it's no wonder debate is once more flaring up over Afghanistan, comments the left-liberal daily De Volkskrant. But the Nato states must persevere, the paper writes: "The West must be careful not to succumb to stress as soon as anything goes wrong. Above all it should avoid giving the impression that its major concern is how to get out. ... In recent months the Nato mission in Afghanistan has been subject to in-depth evaluation. In the process agreement has been reached that for too long excessive attention has been paid to military aspects, and that apart from security concerns the demand for economic development and a sound administration must also be heard. ... This new approach ... deserves a real chance. ... The worst service Nato could do to Afghanistan would be to sow doubts with every setback about whether it will stay its course in the fight against a movement that would plunge the country into even deeper misery if it took power."

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