More Swedish troops for Afstan

While they're stationed in the relatively peaceful north, at least there seems some recognition that a long-term commitment is necessary:

STOCKHOLM, March 15 (Xinhua) -- Sweden will send more soldiers to reinforce its troops in Afghanistan, a senior defense official said Saturday.

The Swedish military force in the war-torn Afghanistan is expected to be increased from 350 soldiers to 500 within a year, said lieutenant general Anders Lindstroem, who is currently inspecting the Swedish garrison in Afghanistan.

The Swedish government has not yet approved the reinforcements, but Lindstroem is counting on them doing so, the Swedish public broadcaster Sveriges Radio (SR) reported.

Lindstroem hoped that the Swedish forces would stay in Afghanistan for a period of five to 15 years as some European countries usually stationed their troops in the Balkan region for 10-15 years.

Remember, the CF were in the Balkans in fairly large numbers for a decade (more here), without great clamor that we had done our bit and should get out. That fact seems almost forgotten now along with the fact that those missions were sent and extended without any vote in the House of Commons.