NATO says 900 trainers needed for Afghan forces

NATO's year-old mission to bolster Afghan security forces faces a critical shortage of 900 trainers, not enough officers and high attrition rates that could hamper efforts to speed the withdrawal of international forces from the unpopular war, the commander of the coalition's training mission said Monday.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai wants his nation's police and army to take the lead in protecting and defending their homeland by 2014 - a deadline that will be reached only if the stepped-up training effort continues with support from foreign capitals weary of the war. (AP)