Another senior defense official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said last week that any change in the complex series of agreements could unravel the entire plan, which was 15 years in the making.

VOA: standard.2009.10.18

Despite Britain's growing losses in Afghanistan, Mr.Brown is sending on the condition that other NATO coalition countries show the same commitment, the Afghan government promises to continue to expand its army, and British soldiers are properly equipped.

VOA: standard.2009.10.14