I See Those Hands

Here's a shock, France is retreating again. She plans to withdraw her 200 special forces troops from Afghanistan. This decision to pull the troops would, of course, have nothing to do with the recent increased Taliban strength and engagement. Reportedly, France has balked at sending its 1,100 member NATO contingent outside the relatively safe Afghan capital, Kabul. "There is a general reorganization of our (troops)," Defense Minister Michele Alliot-Marie said during a visit to Afghanistan. I'll bet, Michele, a reorganization others call retreat.

Among the planned changes is a "withdrawal of special forces from Jalalabad in the coming weeks," she said. Despite the pullout, Alliot-Marie said that France intends to maintain its air power "which has backed up coalition forces numerous times" and is adding two helicopters in the advanced zone between Jalalabad, in the southeast, and Kabul. The French will continue to observe the action through heavy lenses.

Alliot-Marie also said that France plans to train Afghan special forces "because it appears important to us that the Afghans see that it is their own forces which are retaking the theater" of war. I can see it now. Raise your hand if you've been trained by the Americans. Raise both hands if you've been trained by the French.

NewsMax.....