Bucharest April 2008 - NATO and Afghanistan

NATO leaders have acknowledged that Afghanistan is an important test case for the 26-member alliance as it seeks to re-define itself in a post-Cold-War, post 9/11 era.

The NATO-led force in Afghanistan currently comprises some 47,000 troops, but there have been dire reports recently that more forces and greater political efforts are needed if that country is to be saved from deteriorating into a failed state.

Speaking in Bucharest, President Bush called on NATO members to do more to counter the threat of terrorism by stepping up efforts in Afghanistan.

"The terrorist threat is real, it is deadly and defeating this enemy is the top priority of NATO," said Mr. Bush. "Our alliance must maintain its resolve and finish the fight. As [French] President [Nicolas] Sarkozy put it in London last week, we cannot afford to lose Afghanistan, whatever the cost, however difficult the victory, we cannot afford it, we must win. I agree completely."