Foreign ministers from the 44 countries in the NATO-led mission in Afghanistan are meeting here today to discuss the way forward for the mission. This year has not been an easy one for Afghanistan or for the countries sending troops. But a new phase of the international effort is beginning.
President Obama made an important speech this week in which he laid out America's strategy for this mission. He made a substantial commitment of resources, including more than 30,000 U.S. troops. And he made clear to any doubters that the United States is determined to do what it takes to finish the job.
But this is not just President Obama's war. We all face the same threats from what is happening in Afghanistan: threats from terrorism, from drugs, from extremism. This is an alliance effort, and we will finish it together. At this important moment in the evolution of our operation, NATO will demonstrate its unity and its strength once again.
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