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U.S. Troops Fight Peacekeeper Duties
Tuesday, February 26, 2002
By Sally Buzbee
Associated Press Writer

U.S. security personnel and Marine duties may be expanded to include preventing clashes between feuding Afghan warlords.
Photo Credit: Lefteris Pitarakis -- The Associated Press.

U.S. allies have been unwilling to commit to a larger peacekeeping force unless the United States also commits more troops.

WASHINGTON -- AP
U.S. troops in Afghanistan are taking on more jobs that look like peacekeeping and nation-building: They're repairing hospitals, schools and waterworks. They set up a medical school. They're going to help train an Afghan army.

Soon, U.S. military advisers may be sent to prevent clashes among feuding warlords, which would give evidence of deepening U.S. involvement despite the Bush administration's reluctance to engage in peacekeeping.

White House spokesman Ari Fleischer made clear Monday that President Bush still wants the military used only to fight and win wars. But he said the United States is talking with allies and considering how to strengthen security forces inside Afghanistan to keep the country from falling into chaos.

The U.S. commander in the war, Gen. Tommy Franks, said options include expansion of the 4,500-person, British-led international security force, which now operates only in the capital, Kabul. Franks ruled out making peacekeepers of the U.S. troops.
(More: Detroit News Source)
2002 © The Associated Press.

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