Afghanistan, Kabul,20,October / corr / Trend A.Hakimi / A senior NATO commander has added his voice to the growing chorus of commanders who say the battle in Afghanistan cannot be won by military means alone.
Speaking to the Royal United Service Institute in London, General John Craddock called NATO's efforts in Afghanistan "disjointed" and he said the political will to fight the Taliban was wavering.
The US general also said military success was not being backed up by civilian development.
NATO allies in the country have failed to stump up enough troops and military hardware to fight the Taliban, he said.
"The conflict in Afghanistan cannot be won by military means alone. We are just one member of a greater team," Gen Craddock said.
"The military must provide a safe and secure environment... we must come together as part of a truly comprehensive approach. The current effort remains disjointed in time and space."
His comments echo those of the out-going British commander in Helmand province, Mark Carleton-Smith, who said the war was not winnable and that the public must be willing to accept a political settlement with the Taliban.
Some analysts say the comments made by some of NATO's top brass reflect a growing desire among NATO member countries to withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Others agree that a political deal with the Taliban that would see the rebels come to the negotiating table is the only way to fix the escalating insurgency.