Guest 640- Registered: 21 Apr 2007
- Posts: 7,819
#1
General McChrystal the top General in Afghanistan, a tough General totally respected, and one in harmony with his own men, has been fired by President Obama. He committed an anti PR crime which was in the end unacceptable in Washington, but one has to ask why, what was the real reason for his sacking. To sack someone this good at his job, for a bit pf a magazine PR gaff, in a relatively obscure publication, doesnt seem important enough to warrant such an outcome.
The real feeling is that he had become disillusioned with the war in Afghanistan feeling it to be a pointless exercise. He was also grimly disillusioned with the politicians involved directly with him re Afghanistan. I cant for the moment find his exact quote but it was mouthed on the News programmes last night, but this expression of his refreshed outlook and positioning, if you like, was met by fury in Washington.
The fact of the matter is that this war in Afghanistan is accomplishing very little...diplomats there and now the leading General have been sidelined because of stating their 'unscripted' views...ie that we should talk to the Taliban and that without doing so the whole thing has a grimly pointless air about. It is regretable to see this fresh thinking sidelined as the loss of life there is racheting up at an ever increasing speed and a great many people are in tune with the notion that it has now become pointless. Two steps forward followed by two steps back. Yes..A dark tango for the grim and unholy, and only a handful of politicians from both sides of the Atlantic see any point to it.
Guest 645- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 4,463
#2
PaulB
I totally agree with your posting but the war ,because that's what it is regardless of how pundits wish to describe it, has for the first time produced a drop in overseas use of herion and cocaine. We all know ,that like prohibition, we will never stamp it out but the less that hits the streets the better. I have tried to steer my kids away from drugs and even tobacco and so far have been successful.It's every parents responsibility to do likewise.
There is a British Lt General in charge at present until Petroneas takes over. His first directive was to ensure that cucumber sarnies and tea are to be served at 4pm sharp to all front line troops. Time for tiffin anyone?
Marek
I think therefore I am (not a Tory supporter)
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
#3
the general was spot on with his comments, even david cameron admitted that the war is unwinnable purely by military means.
there can be no political solutions, as soon as we leave the warlords will return and carve up the country for their own benefit.
terrorists camps can be set up anywhere, not just afghanistan.
so far 303 of our troops dead approx 1000 maimed, for what?
#4
Blair - Bush egos?
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
#5
shocking comment sid, even more shocking is that it is probably true.
over a thousand american troops have been lost too, must be many from other countries.
#6
#7
Doesn't pay in any army to disagree with the Commander in Chief.
Brian Dixon
- Location: Dover
- Registered: 23 Sep 2008
- Posts: 23,940
#8
Guest 653- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,540
#9
Although we are trying to win the hearts and minds of the Afghan people and as someone has stated there is a reduction in the amount of heroin hitting the streets, surely the biggest thing to help the Taliban is the continuance of the supply of arms to them - from Iraq ? Or put another way, our troops and other countries' troops, are being killed because we can't stop their supply of arms - and America has 100,000 troops out there.
Shouldn't there be more concerted efforts to control the borders more ? It's more than bang, bang your dead - literally.
Roger
Guest 645- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 4,463
#10
Cameron has been quoted,on this mornings news,that he wants all our troops out by 2015. However he has come under criticism by those that feel that by putting a time limit on their role only plays into the hands of the Taliban furthermore his 'words' could come back to haunt him if ,for whatever reason,the troops are required to remain longer than expected. Difficult one to call. Just glad I'm not in charge.
Marek
I think therefore I am (not a Tory supporter)
#11
Roger, there is merit in what you say, however, Afghans traditionally carry weapons, so removing them from circulation is likely to cause even more trouble. It's a difficult place to be successful militarily.
