Panetta told NATO defense ministers in Brussels whatever the motives behind the attacks, the enemy is using them to “drive a wedge” between Afghan and coalition partners. The defense secretary said NATO can deny the enemy its goal only by using all of its ability to counter the attacks.
More than 52 coalition personnel have been killed by their Afghan counterparts this year.
Separately, officials at the Brussels meeting are expected to name NATO's top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, General John Allen, the coalition's new supreme commander.
Assistant U.S. Marine commandant General Joseph Dunford will take over the post in Afghanistan.
Both appointments are subject to U.S. Senate confirmation.
Stumble It!
