NATO delays decision on US request for more troops in Afghanistan

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NATO defense ministers backed plans to boost civilian protection in Afghanistan at a meeting in Slovakia on Friday. But they delayed their decision on General Stanley McChrystal's request for tens of thousands more troops.

During a Friday meeting of 28 NATO defense ministers, the US said NATO allies are willing to boost military and civilian aid in Afghanistan.

General McChrystal's plan involves deploying tens of thousands of more troops. Early reports put the figure as high as 80-thousand more soldiers.

The proposal shifts the focus of the operation away from pursuing Taliban fighters. Instead, NATO will increase its presence in Afghan towns and villages in a bid to boost civilian protection.

US Defense Secretary Robert Gates said, "There were a number of allies who indicated they were thinking about or were moving toward increasing either their military or their civilian contributions or both. The United States has no intention of pulling out of Afghanistan or abandoning our core mission there."

Despite broad backing for McChrystal's plan, no US allies have publicly committed sending more troops to Afghanistan.

France has ruled out sending more soldiers. Germany said it would likely maintain its contribution at 4,500 troops.

US President Barack Obama is still weeks away from deciding whether to approve McChrystal's strategy.

Concern about the political situation in Afghanistan is one factor in the delay.

The plan's opponents argue forces should be kept at current levels. They stress the mission should remain focused on targeting Al-Qaida hideouts at the Afghan-Pakistan border.