Smith backs extra troops for Afghanistan

Australia has reiterated its support for extra troops for Afghanistan but is not planning to send any extra forces. General David Petraeus, commander of US forces in the Middle East and Central Asia, has recommended an almost doubling of US troops in Afghanistan, where there has been a spike in Taliban violence during the past two years.

Foreign Minister Stephen Smith said United States president-elect Barack Obama had
flagged an increase in troop numbers in Afghanistan.
"We think that is a good thing," he said.
"There does need to be an increase in the troop complement to ensure peace and
security in Afghanistan."
Australia wants NATO forces to shoulder a bigger burden in Afghanistan.
"(But) we're not proposing to increase the number of troops we have in Afghanistan,"
Mr Smith said.