Australia Defence Association says return to Afghanistan 'makes sense'

A defence think-tank says it makes sense for Australian troops to return to Afghanistan.

Federal Cabinet is meeting in Canberra to discuss re-deploying troops, after the withdrawal of Australian special forces in 2002.

There is bi-partisan support for an Australian contribution in Afghanistan, where there is an upsurge in violence.

Neil James from the Australia Defence Association supports the move.

"The British and Americans are quite stretched in Afghanistan and Iraq, and indeed the new Afghan government needs further support, particularly this year with the parliamentary elections coming up in September," Mr James said.

"The campaign against international terrorism is going to be a long one and it's going to require effort in a large number of places, and going back to Afghanistan makes sense in terms of that effort."