Top Afghan General: "We would welcome Turkish combat troops"

The chief of General Staff of the Afghan National Army, Gen. Bismillah Khan Mohammadi, yesterday stated that he would be pleased if Turkey decides to send combat troops to Afghanistan. Turkey, which holds the rotating command of the international peacekeeping force guarding Kabul, steadfastly refuses to accept combat missions, fearing a backlash from Muslims here, at home, and elsewhere. Mohammadi, speaking with Turkish reporters in Kabul during a press tour arranged by the Turkish General Staff, was asked about NATO's request for more combat troops from allied nations and whether he wants Turkey to send such troops. "I would welcome [it]," Mohammadi said. "There should not be any misunderstanding. Since the founding of the government, our Turkish Muslim brothers are with us as our soldiers. They have been with us for all education and development efforts. If NATO'S demand is in this direction, we would also like to have [more Turkish troops] for maintaining security and for Afghanistan's development." He added that he greatly appreciates Turkey's ongoing efforts in his country.