that unit's history. The Afghan unit meant to operate alongside the Germans fled combat twice, raising serious concerns about the ability of the Afghans to stand their ground on their own. Résumé Regional Command North was redesignated as TAAC North on July 1, 2014. The German forces had to retreat to the training of Afghan troops and self-defense duties – with the Taliban set to retake Kunduz and undo the joint forces previous successes. Indeed, the 2009–2011 period marked a U-turn in the rather pacifist military policy of Germany and also represented a crucial test for allied cooperation. The intensity of the fighting sparked a public debate in Germany whether German troops should even participate in a war. The only considerable support for the troops appeared in the form of a 2008 petition to restore a military award entirely reserved for valor; 22 soldiers were awarded with this Conspicuous Gallantry Cross. However, overall support for the military operation plunged down to an all-time low following the deadly September 2009 air strike, prompting observers to believe that ongoing combat operations would affect the general elections in 2009 and 2013 respectively (the only party to explicitly speak out against the war, Die Linke, failed to make noteworthy gains in these elections, though). Others regarded the unexpected move as a reaction to sharp criticism Germany long faced for opting out a more offensive role in the Afghanistan war. See also War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) International Security Assistance Force German Armed Forces casualties in Afghanistan Operation Harekate Yolo Operation Karez Operation Oqab References Main Source: Winfried Nachtwei report on Afghanistan Work cited Military operations of the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) Conflicts in 2009 Conflicts in 2010 Conflicts in 2011 Conflicts in 2012 Conflicts in 2013 Conflicts in 2014 2000s in Afghanistan 2010s in Afghanistan Battles of the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) History of Faryab Province History of Kunduz Province History of Baghlan Province NATO operations in Afghanistan Wars involving the Taliban Military campaigns involving Germany Military operations of the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) involving Germany Military operations of the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) involving Norway Military operations of the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) involving Belgium 2009 in Afghanistan 2010 in Afghanistan 2011 in Afghanistan 2012 in Afghanistan 2013 in Afghanistan 2014 in Afghanistan