WASHINGTON — The United States has approached the Gulf Arab states for assistance in
the NATO stabilization campaign in Afghanistan.
Officials said the administration of President Barack Obama has turned
to several Gulf Cooperation Council states to consider contributions to the
NATO surge in Afghanistan. They said GCC states could send money and troops
for reconstruction and education projects.
"I think one of the things that we must continue to try to change as
much as we can is to increase the degree of civilian presence," National
Security Advisor James Jones said.
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At a Dec. 7 news conference, Jones said the GCC could contribute both
military and civilian personnel for Afghanistan and Pakistan.
He cited
irrigation and other agriculture projects in Afghanistan that contain a
foreign presence.
