http://www.hindu.com/2008/12/23/stories/2008122356051200.htm
December 23, 2008
“...Noting that the ongoing anti-terror operations in Afghanistan were primarily a mission of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, he said “we are the largest non-NATO contributor, and the ninth or tenth largest contributor overall.” In such a situation, Australia had “no intention of doing more in Afghanistan, while so many NATO countries remain so under-committed.” ...”
http://www.rferl.org/Content/US_To_Deploy_More_Troops_in_Afghanistan/1361859.html
“...On December 19, the Czech parliament rejected a plan to extend and expand the country’s military presence in Afghanistan.
Prague will now have to withdraw its 500 troops under U.S. and NATO commands in Afghanistan within 60 days of the start of the year, unless another decision is taken to extend their mandate.
The failed Czech proposal to send an additional 200 troops to Afghanistan was a response to U.S. and NATO requests to do more in the fight against the Taliban insurgents, who have stepped up attacks on international troops this year...”
It’s a bit of buck-passing — The Undercommitments might make a great idea for a movie comedy about most NATO members. That said, the US is expected (and Obama claims he wants) to increase its troop strength in Afghanistan, so it’s a great time to announce draw-downs. Also, your Australians and the Czechs gave support for quite a long while, and it helped.