Gade neutral on sharing Afghan war papers

Søren Gade, Speaker of the Danish Parliament and former Minister of Defence, does not have a ‘strong opinion’ on whether researchers should have access to materials discussing Afghanistan war decisions. While some accuse him of being obstructive, Gade states that the presidium of the parliament will make decisions with input from the involved parties. The first part of the investigation, released Thursday, showed the West’s underestimation of the Taliban, who swiftly regained power after the withdrawal of the US and allies. A second part examining political responsibility, slated for 2025, faces limitations due to restricted access to discussions among politicians. Gade has refused to interview with researchers, citing his absence from key decisions made prior to his tenure as Minister in April 2004. The findings are expected to probe a 2006 decision heavily supported by Gade to deploy Danish troops to the volatile Helmand province.