Holbrooke: Support From Allies On Afghanistan Is Best In His Lifetime

Enlarge Georges Gobet/AFP/Getty Images

Holbrooke.

Georges Gobet/AFP/Getty Images

Holbrooke.

A key part of the Obama administration's new strategy for Afghanistan calls for NATO allies to contribute 5,000 or so more troops to the effort.

This morning, All Things Considered's Melissa Block spoke with Richard Holbrooke, the Obama team's special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan. He was in Brussels to meet with NATO allies.

Melissa pointed out that some of those nations, most notably France and Germany, have been reluctant to commit more troops. "How do you explain and overcome these countries' reluctance?" she asked Holbrooke.

After saying he has to "respectfully question her premise," Holbrooke told Melissa that some allies, such as the U.K. and the Republic of Georgia, have made "big commitments" and others have committed privately to helping. Germany, he said, has promised to work out "one way or another" its position by the end of January. The French, "support our position and are working it out."

Then Holbrooke, who has been at the center of some of the most important international stories of recent decades, said this is the "best support ... we've had on an international coalition in my time":

Much more from Melissa's conversation with Holbrooke is due on today's ATC. Click here to find an NPR station near you.