Afghanistan: Military Incompetence?

[bobthebandit]

Is the current NATO campaign in Afghanistan the biggest military blunder since Elphinstone's retreat from Kabul in 1842, when 16,000 British, European and Indian troops were massacred by Afghan tribesmen?

[Lonnie]

I don't really think you can compare the two, of course comparisons will be made, but I think the blunder here, is staying there.

mind you though, a good quote which I think is topical, is 'If you don't remember History, you will repeat it'.

[Cugetit]

bobthebandit ....... good comparison, I believe. Disagree with the response above. The biggest blunder is not staying there, it was ever going there in the first place. The only pity is that it will probably be a little while yet before those in control will come to their senses and catch up with public opinion, rapidly growing in favour of extraction. I wonder how many more, on both sides, will have to needlessly lose their lives before this lunatic situation if brought to a conclusion. They do not want us there in Afghanistan and the same goes for Iraq so let us get out.

[jake-the-peg]

Oh no I think Churchill's little escapade in Gallipoli was much worse!

Seriously are you comparing the a massacre of over 16,000 with an action where there has been less than 300 casulties?

The Arnham action alone had 17,000 casulties and they made a film of that!

[rov1200]

One of our suicide missions was performed by the charge of Light Brigade. Into the valley rode the 600 and all were slaugthered.

We have only to lose another 400 or so in Afghanistan to equal that historic moment.

[brionon]

Someone with a Brain and One tenth of the money spent on the War could have greased some palms and got us what we want. In short ''Bribery and Corruption.''

[anotheoldgit]

There have been many questions asked of why we are in Afghanistan, and why it would be wrong to come out, etc, etc.

But the one question that is never answered properly and that is, If this is a NATO operation why is it, that it is Britain and America who are taking the majority lead, why aren't the rest of Nato pulling their weight?

On a recent radio phone-in a certain senior military person was asked this question, but once again he skirted round it by saying, "there have been many request for them to get further involved, but it seems due to their public's feelings, it would not be politically right for them to do so".

Could it therefore be true that Germany's, France's, Spain's and Italy's politicians listen more to their public's opinion, and are not prepared to risk the lives of their young Men & Women?

Whereas ours couldn't care a tinker's cuss.

A typical example of the disadvantages of being a undemocratic one party state.

[Quinlad]

If you agree that an unstable Afghanistan threatens our security (you might not) - and that that is the reason for our involvement - then do you pull out because Germany and France aren't pulling their weight (potentially putting us at risk), or put up with the unfairness of the situation for the sake of national security?

It's tricky.

[jake-the-peg]

It is not a NATO operation

It is a US operation with as many NATO countries as they could talk into coming along to stop it being portrayed as a piece of US adventuring.

The French inparticular never wanted to get involved for a number of reasons not least their stronger association with arabic countries. You will remember the "Freedom Fries" business and "Cheese eating surrender monkeys" jibes

To turn around and accuse them of not pulling their weight is therefore a touch hypocritical.

German foreign troops fighting wars abroad is I think still against their constitution (for some vague historical reason)

Of course a lot of negative puplic opinion is being stoked by the press foor their own political reasons.

I can scarcely imagine what reaction some of their stories would have had if they'd been printed in WWII.

I would think that they and those who supported them would have been branded defeatest cowards betraying our soldiers

Wouldn't you think AOG?

[Lonnie]

On Question Time last week, it was said that every other nation, except Britain and America have given a date for pulling out.

I don't know if its true, but if it is, where does it leave us?.