Biography Chief of Staff, General Lather Link Read the interview

“NATO has demonstrated a remarkable capability to adjust to the rapid changes confronting European, North American, and global security since the end of the Cold War. The Alliance has been confronted with instability, humanitarian crises, regional conflict, and terrorism on a multi-national scale. This is the reality of the 21st Century and NATO has responded with capabilities at hand and has developed new capabilities, new policies, and new partnerships to meet these challenges” said General Karl-Heinz Lather, Chief of Staff of Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, in an Exclusive Interview, conducted by Dieter Farwick, World Security Network Foundation.

World Security Network Foundation is an international, independent, non-profit organization, supported by 60 editors from 27 nations, an International Advisory Board of 56 experts from 17 countries-including 14 generals and admirals, and more than 200 authors from all over the world.

Here are some other quotes from the interview:
“Experiences, in Afghanistan and the Balkans demonstrate that the international community needs to work more closely and must take a comprehensive approach to successfully address the security challenges of today and tomorrow. Effective implementation of a comprehensive approach requires the cooperation and contribution of all major actors, including that of Non-Governmental Organisations and relevant local bodies. To this end, it is essential for all major international actors to progress in a coordinated manner, and to apply a wide spectrum of civil and military instruments leveraging their respective strengths and mandates.”

“It is important to say that NATO/ISAF’s mission is to help create a secure and stable environment for the people of Afghanistan in support of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. Our strategic objectives are the extension of government authority across Afghanistan; the development of the Afghan Government structures necessary to maintain security across the country without the assistance of international forces; the establishment of a stable and secure environment in which sustainable reconstruction and development (R&D) has taken hold.

“Successful operations by the Afghan National Army and ISAF have compelled the Opposing Military Forces (OMF), to adopt terrorist tactics – indiscriminate attacks designed to strike at the resolve of not only the Afghan people, but also others committed to progress in Afghanistan. While this activity has affected Afghan and international public opinion, these tactics do not enable Opposing Military Forces expansion on the ground, nor do they undermine our commitment.”

“At the moment, some 80 national caveats are restricting the use of NATO forces, limiting the flexible employment of our formations. Caveats, like shortfalls, increase the risk to every Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine and Military Police deployed in theatre. NATO forces are exceptional, but they need as much flexibility as possible to be effective on this asymmetric, irregular battlefield. So in a perfect world, without any caveats the mission in Afghanistan could be easier. But we have to respect the commitments and restrictions made by member nations and plan accordingly.”