I understand the value of PRTs and am aware that the Czechs are soon to have an independent one, with a reinforced Army company alongside - alas cannot recall which province they are going to.

In Helmand, where the UK and allies are there is a UK PRT. There the difficulty has been in getting Kabul to release funding - allocated to Kabul - so £20m in one year built twenty wells. Not value for money there and heaven knows what the annoucement by PM Gordon Brown in late '07 of an aid allocation of £200m actually will produce.

Security first. Then build schools and sink wells.

None of the collective experience augurs well for the much-mooted USAID effort in NWFP, where security is unclear and local hostility guaranteed. Afghans are too poor - yes proud - not to accept help, however meagre.

I suspect the idea of a NATO/UN "overlord", sorry co-ordinator, is underpinned by the diversion of aid funds.

davidbfpo