France is blocking attempts by Nato to play a greater role in Afghanistan, where Germany and the Netherlands today take over the joint command of the multi-national International Security Assistance Force (Isaf), Judy Dempsey writes.

Peter Struck, German defence minister, who arrived in Kabul yesterday ahead of today's takeover, said he would ask President Hamid Karzai about giving Nato a more prominent role in providing security and stability. Germany has 1,700 troops in Isaf, rising to 2,500 by the end of next month.