NATO Relieves for U.S.-Led Forces in Afghanistan

July 31, 2006 — -- NATO's International Security Assistance Force has assumed command today in southern Afghanistan.

The force is taking over for the U.S.-led coalition during the bloodiest upsurge of violence since the Taliban government was toppled in 2001.

NATO and U.S. military commanders took pains to describe the hand over as a sign of the world's continuing commitment to Afghanistan, rather than the first step in an exit strategy for American forces.

Taliban and al Qaeda forces have described it as an American retreat.

"NATO is here for the long term, for as long as the government and people of Afghanistan require our assistance," said British Army Lt. Gen. David Richards, the NATO ISAF commander. "We are committed to Afghanistan and its future."

The mission is widely considered to be the most dangerous and challenging in NATO's 57-year history.

It also marks the first time U.S. soldiers will fight under a foreign commander.

The NATO-led force, made up mostly of British, Canadian and Dutch troops, now oversees security in six provinces, including volatile Kandahar, Helmand and Uruzgan.

U.S. forces will retain command in Afghanistan's troubled eastern region.

NATO hopes to bring a new strategy for dealing with the Taliban rebellion that would entail establishing secure areas of operation rather than hunting down militants.

It hopes to win the hearts and minds of a war-weary populace by establishing secure zones where development can flourish.

Many critics, however, question whether the alliance -- which has never mounted a major ground operation -- can quell the violence enough to let aid workers work in a lawless and impoverished region.

The Taliban resurgence has been fueled by the booming opium trade, which is expected to top $3 billion this harvest alone.

Hundreds of people -- mostly militants -- have been killed since May, while suicide attacks and roadside bombs have become an all-too-common occurrence.

As NATO assumed command today, a bomb exploded at a funeral ceremony in eastern Nangahar province, killing eight and wounding 16.