Calling Colombia

Adm. James Stavridis, nominated to head U.S. European Command, today told the Senate Armed Services Committee about an interesting development from his current area of responsibility at U.S. Southern Command.

When the discussion during his confirmation hearing before the panel turned to counternarcotics operations in Afghanistan -- which he would help oversee as EUCOM chief -- Stavridis said this:

I could add, Senator, worth noting that we're in conversations at ((SOUTHCOM)) with our Colombian friends about the possibility of Colombian military engagement in Afghanistan. So that, if it comes to fruition, is a very direct and personal venue to have soldiers who have had experience in both counterinsurgency and counternarcotics transferring some of those lessons learned.