French Election Throws Afghan Exit Into Disarray -- The IndependentFrançois Hollande's promise to withdraw troops this year means Nato allies may have to fill the gap.
he critical timetable for the withdrawal of Western forces from Afghanistan will come under major strain if Nicolas Sarkozy loses the presidency in the French elections, with his socialist opponent warning that his country's forces will be pulled out within seven months if he gets into power.
François Hollande's defence spokesman, Jean-Yves Le Drian, who is a possible choice for defence minister, told British officials in no uncertain terms during a visit last week that French troops would end their combat mission a full two years before the UK and US are scheduled to do so in 2014.
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My Comment: The french have made it very clear that they want to leave Afghanistan .... the debate has always been when. A Socialist win would only expedite this departure.