Afghanistan..troops out NOW!

[bozo]

Over 180 British soldiers, many of them very young indeed, have now perished in the badlands of Afghanistan. More than died in the Iraq conflict. I think they have died in vain, in a " war " that is unwinnable. Moreover, I don't even agree with the reason why it is taking place.
It can only be a matter of time, I hope, before public opinion forces the government to pull out. No shame in that but much shame if yet more young lives are sacrificed needlessly.
What say others?

[leo-rcc]

I have a family member that is stationed in Uruzgan. He was on leave last year and explained that there are good reasons for the forces to be there. They are not only there to fight the Taliban, but they are also giving humanitarian aid which is being appreciated by the local community in that region.

He feels that the troops are doing a good job and should persevere. There are serious problems with roadside bombs and ambushes, but as is usual that is not the fault of the regular people in the region but a fringe group of fanatics.

[bozo]

I have a family member that is stationed in Uruzgan. He was on leave last year and explained that there are good reasons for the forces to be there. They are not only there to fight the Taliban, but they are also giving humanitarian aid which is being appreciated by the local community in that region.

He feels that the troops are doing a good job and should persevere. There are serious problems with roadside bombs and ambushes, but as is usual that is not the fault of the regular people in the region but a fringe group of fanatics.

I would not aprove of any of my family getting sent there.
I do not believe that the Taliban must be beaten there or we in Europe would face more terrorism.
I do not believe we can police the whole world. Politicians CHOOSE where to become involved, not always with the best intentions.
I do not doubt that the troops do their best. Down the centuries it has always been so. They remain " cannon-fodder ".
Top military people have stated that this war is unwinnable. I agree.
The sane decision is to withdraw.

[LEDO]

Without British troops guarding the opium fields, how is the Royal Empire ever going to maintain control over China?

[bozo]

Without British troops guarding the opium fields, how is the Royal Empire ever going to maintain control over China?

we are being told it's about stopping al-quaida, nothing to do with china.

[Kyuuketsuki]

In principle I am not opposed to regime change by force.

I would like to have seen the war in Afghanistan establish a permanent democratic government but I don't think it has worked (that government seems unable to survive without Western aid) and, as such lives have been wasted.

Kyu

[LEDO]

Without British troops guarding the opium fields, how is the Royal Empire ever going to maintain control over China?

we are being told it's about stopping al-quaida, nothing to do with china.

That is what they want you to believe. The Bilderbergs and Free Masons are behind it. Follow the money. And remeber G. Gordon Liddy says, "Buy Gold."

[leo-rcc]

I would not aprove of any of my family getting sent there.

Well that is not up to you is it? I would prefer it if he was safe at home, but as he volunteered that is his decision.

The sane decision is to withdraw.

It is not that easy. Just because it gets a bit dicey the forces cannot leave the people in Afghanistan behind in the mess they created in the first place.

[Pippy]

Hey,

I like this thread. I am a peace-monger. I have been my whole life, and I will always be. I do not believe in the need for the Afghanistan war. I see pretty clearly the mind-games surrounding it all. My country (I get a whole one!) is also in this action, and has been for years. We have lost a lot of good young folk, and it has done absolutely irreparable and terrible damage to my relationship with said country.

I see that the war in Afghanistan is a clear example of misinformation. They went there to find Osama. Not Obama, Osama. But that seemed to evaporate. Then, instead of personal retribution against the 'terrorists' in the country, it was suddenly a war to overthrow their legitimate government. I do not support very much at all about the Taliban, but their legitimacy is not connected to their civil rights record. Other countries are allowed to have shitty leaders, it doesn't seem like a valid reason for war. It is also clear from watching that the government installed in Kabul is very different from the values and wants represented by Afghani people. It, unfortunately, does appear that Opium output suffered during Taliban rule, as well as access to cheaper fossil fuels for the west. It seems almost like organized crime. And all the reasons for war keep changing. Eurasia! Eurasia! Perpetual war for perpetual peace. Weren't we warned of these days?

That is what I think. Every minute of Afganistan and Irag were/are a tragedy. Every minute.

But, Leo. I respect your feelings, as you have family involved. I too have family involved. I do not want to argue, or insult you in any way. I have my view, you have yours. I will not try to compel you to see it my way, and deeply respect our differences in this vein. Your post was very polite itself, for a disagreement.

...as such lives have been wasted.

Kyu, just so we're clear. Is that the lives of Brits? Americans? Canadians? Do you consider the likely over 2 million dead middle-easterners (as a result of this war action) as a waste? Or is that the 'gotta break a few eggs' thing? I see most humans as equal, certainly not better or worse on a racial or social whole. So a few million dead crushes me more than a few thousand. And usually, so far, we don't send old woman and young children into combat... I only wish to point out that every life lost in war is a waste. Inasmuch as dying is kind of wasteful (from one little angle), we have already gone over that.

There. No war. I support the troops coming home. I respect all of your opinions on the matter though, as it can get very personal very fast.
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God",
-Pip

[Dotard]

Hitler committed atrocities. An alliance was needed to stop him. The entirety of Europe had to be reduced to rubble to achieve this. They did not stop and turn around and leave once he was stopped, an occupation was needed.

Saddam committed atrocities. This alliance was needed to stop him.

The Taliban committed atrocities. This alliance was needed to stop them.

The alliance cannot just pack up and leave, an occupation is needed to keep the warlords from just installing more of the same.


Just the 2 cents from one who has been there (Iraq - PurpleHeart recipient) and believes in the cause.