BBC News, Sunday, 7 February 2010
Afghan President Hamid Karzai has told a conference of the world's top defence officials in Germany that he is considering introducing conscription.
The Afghan president said at the summit in Munich he wants to build an army and police force of 300,000 by 2012.
His comments come as US-led forces are poised to launch a major offensive in Helmand province against the Taliban.
The Nato commander, General Stanley McChrystal, said the operation would "send a strong signal".