The Netherlands is ending its military involvement in Afghanistan, after four years in which its 1,950 troops have won praise for their effectiveness. Dutch military chief said they had seen security improve significantly in Uruzgan province. But he acknowledged that “a lot still has to happen” after their withdrawal. Nato has played down the significance, but analysts say it is a sensitive time for the alliance, with growing casualties and doubts about strategy. More than 145,000 foreign troops currently operate under US and Nato command in Afghanistan and are supporting its Western-backed government against a Taliban-led insurgency that has gained strength.