How to build public support for NATO in Afghanistan?

The Brits may be on to something. It's just possible the UN could do a decent job of coordinating reconstruction, development, health and education. And such a major UN role could help significantly in increasing support for involvment in Afghanistan amongst doubting Western publics. Just as long as the UN is kept clear of things military, which must continue (cloaked somewhat by the UN cover). UN involvement at the diplomatic level might be useful in dealings with Pakistan and Iran (and any steps towards talking with Taliban elements).

But I suspect that UN agencies will be pretty leery about taking on what might be a very controversial mission and that the US will hard to convince. The UK will have a major diplomatic sale to make; perhaps Canada might help?

Britain lobbied U.N. officials on Thursday with a proposal for the world body to lead a comprehensive "campaign plan" for peace in Afghanistan, where NATO-led troops are struggling against Taliban insurgents.

Defence Secretary Des Browne said the United Nations was best placed to coordinate a peace-building effort he said had until now largely fallen on military commanders.

About 40,000 foreign troops are in Afghanistan, whose Taliban rulers were overthrown by U.S.-backed forces in 2001. Some 32,000 belong to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), in which Britain plays a prominent role.

But Browne told the Council on Foreign Relations in New York that the conflict could not be solved by military means alone and challenges from stamping out narcotics to policing and establishing the rule of law needed a strategic approach.

"An overarching campaign plan is required to develop all these disparate strands together. It has to be a strategic plan, not just a military plan," he said.

"The international community then needs ... to coordinate resources, ensuring coherence in what we do ... And this needs leadership. And in my view ... there is no organization better placed than the UN to take that role."

Browne said "a visible leader representing the international community" was also needed.

At present, he said, Afghan President Hamid Karzai spent at least 60 percent of his time in individual meetings with all 42 countries involved in Afghanistan. "If you want to see President Karzai you have to go and join the queue."..

Browne offered no details of how the United Nations could take control of the peace effort...