http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=516&ncid=716&e=5&u=/ap/20031220/ap_on_re_as/afghan_us_commander<snip>KABUL, Afghanistan - In a significant switch in strategy, U.S. troops plan to set up bases to provide reconstruction aid in provinces plagued by Taliban attacks, the new U.S. commander in Afghanistan (news - web sites) said Saturday in his first interview since taking charge.
Lt. Gen. David Barno told The Associated Press that the move will make the troubled south and east safer for aid workers and open the way for landmark Afghan elections next summer. He also predicted a sharp reaction from insurgents.
They're "going to realize that's the death knell to terrorist organizations in that part of the country," said Barno. "We'll be prepared for that."
A wave of violence this year has belied U.S. claims to have brought security to Afghanistan, two years after an American-led assault drove the Taliban from power for harboring al-Qaida chief Osama bin Laden (news - web sites).
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