By taking on the role of ISAF lead nation together with the Netherlands, Germany is making a further contribution to stabilizing the country. Since the end of the Taliban rule, Germany has played a key role in the reconstruction of Afghanistan in terms of politics, civil society and the economy. By initiating the Petersberg Process, assuming command of the Kabul Multinational Brigade in March 2002 and playing the leading role in building up the Afghan police, Germany has expressed its special commitment to Afghanistan. Alongside its contributions within ISAF, the Federal Government also made available a total of EUR 142 million in 2002 for reconstruction projects and humanitarian aid in Afghanistan.