Dutch commanders in Afghanistan say the new military strategy that US President Barack Obama announced on Tuesday will not affect the Dutch mission.

Following talks with US General Stanley McChrystal, Dutch General Marc van Uhm and civilian representative Michel Rentenaar said the new strategy will only change things for the Americans. Under the new plan, for example, Western troops will begin protecting urban areas. According to General Van Uhm, however, "This has always been a tenet of the Dutch approach: first protect the population before tackling reconstruction."

The general added he hopes Dutch troops in Uruzgan will hand over all responsibility to Afghan security forces "in the course of next year". Mr Rentenaar, however, warns: "This will not only involve troops and police. The administration and Afghan commanders also need to trust each other and that will take time." Both stressed that Uruzgan's weak administration is the province's weak spot. Both refused to speculate on future developments in the province after the Dutch troops withdraw.

Camp Holland (Photo: Flickr / Remko Tanis)