The United States' partners could deploy some 5000 extra troops under a new strategy to combat the Afghan insurgency but lack the means or the will to do much more, according to analysts.

Plagued by economic problems, overstretched armies deployed in Iraq or the Balkans and growing military and civilian casualties, European nations are losing appetite for a fight that has dragged on for eight years.

But any tepid response to requests by commanders could hurt US President Barack Obama, who is due to unveil the new strategy on Tuesday, and dispatch more than 30 000 US reinforcements to make it work.

"The Europeans are unable to find sense in this conflict," said Joseph Henrotin, at Belgium's Centre for Analysis and International Risk Prevention.

"Many governments no longer see the goal nor what they stand to win," he said.

The United States is counting on its allies ? more than 40 countries have troops in Afghanistan ? provide up to 10 000 troops for the counter-insurgency plan devised by top commander US General Stanley McChrystal. Related article: 9 000 Marines to Helmand

Obama will insist on finishing a job started after the September 11, 2001 attacks ? when a US-led coalition ousted the Taliban militia for harbouring Osama bin Laden ? to break down Al-Qaeda.

But as casualties rise, the benefits of a protracted operation are harder to sift from the risks, and Henrotin said European good will is drying up.

"The strength of their resolve has evaporated little by little. The only real motive that remains, the most important factor, is transatlantic solidarity," he said.

Main US ally Britain has offered a further 500 troops, on condition that Kabul commits police and soldiers and if other allies boost force levels, as the operations gets smarter by protecting civilians in Afghan towns and cities.