The German parliament is discussing sending additional troops to Afghanistan. The US and NATO have for some time been pressing for more forces, saying the Taliban is steadily gaining ground. Though the mission is unpopular with many German voters and politicians on the left, the government says it does want to commit another thousand troops to its 3500 strong force in Afghanistan. On Monday, the UN special envoy to Afghanistan said the war there can not be won militarily but only by political engagement.