Lack of basics slows effort to build Afghan forces

[David]

AP


WASHINGTON – A government watchdog says a lack of basic infrastructure in Afghanistan is slowing the U.S. effort to build up Afghanistan's security forces.

Kenneth Moorefield, a Pentagon assistant inspector general, said Friday that outside of larger cities such as Kabul and Kandahar, buildings for Afghan army and police units are often just mud huts — or don't exist at all. Roads need to be built to remote sites so supplies can be shipped. But Moorefield says attacks by the Taliban and insurgent groups discourage contractor convoys from making the trips.

Expanding and improving the Afghan army and police is a key element in President Barack Obama's strategy for stabilizing Afghanistan so U.S. troops can begin to come home.