British Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced in London on Nov. 6 that Britain is committed to the War in Afghanistan, according to CNN.com.
Brown emphatically spoke about Britain’s military commitment to the long-fought counterinsurgency battle in Afghanistan. He also emphasized the significance of a stable, uncorrupt Afghan government.
“It is about having properly qualified men and women in the key jobs,” the prime minister said.
Brown said that, as the war becomes more dangerous and complex, the Afghan military needs British troops to train their personnel. He also said that British troops are necessary to empower local authorities, enabling them to fight back the Taliban and al Qaeda.
Despite criticism that fighting on the ground is too risky, especially with the growing presence of roadside bombs, Brown maintained that the British army would be most successful fighting terrorists on land. Brown asserted that Britain has been providing its troops with an adequate amount of resources.
The prime minister reiterated that the majority of terrorist plots directed at Britain originate in Afghanistan and Pakistan, citing the war as a national security concern.
"I am not prepared to put the lives of British men and women in harm's way for a government that does not stand up against corruption," Brown said.
There are currently 9,000 British troops in Afghanistan, and 93 British troops have died throughout the war.
