After the surge: which way forward for the NATO allies?

In the wake of US President Barack Obama's long-expected announcement of 30,000 more combat troops for Afghan war deployment , NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen has further pledged a new "substantial" contribution by European alliance members to bolster the US-led move on the ground.

But while the US buildup is meant to begin in early 2010, despite Rasmussen's declaration only the UK thus far, which provides the second-largest international military force in the Hindu Kush, has announced relatively token British reinforcements for Afghanistan of some 500 soldiers to join the current British contingent of 9,000. Obama has expressed the hope of 10,000 more European soldiers from within NATO to strengthen the US contribution which will exceed 100,000 soldiers, once the new reinforcements are committed.

Germany with the third-largest force in Afghanistan has already made it clear it will forego any decision until further multilateral strategic talks on the Afghan war are held.

European allies reluctant to make firm commitments

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she would wait for the London conference set for January 28th, before making any announcements on Berlin's military posture in Afghanistan. French President Nicolas Sarkozy who said he would continue to provide "strong support" for Washington's lead in the Afghan war effort stated he would also not confirm any plans for fresh French forces to be deployed until after the London meeting.

French forces, in particular special operation units, have often been at the forefront of combat action alongside US troops, unlike the German contingent which has enjoyed a relatively peaceful engagement in the north of Afghanistan.

It's not clear yet whether Germany will commit more troops to the Afghanistan campaign