Talisker wrote:Paphitis, looks like we're agreeing on the realities of the situation for Afghanis in their current predicament (and unfortuantely one that has lasted a very long time). I argued yesterday that our military intervention could be counterproductive. There is an interesting article in the Observer today, about someone called Rory Stewart, currently working to safeguard traditional skills in Afghanistan.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2009/ ... nal-skills
Within the article is the following which supports my view, and this from someone living and working in Afghanistan, and with experience of similar in Iraq.
Stewart argues that, just as the west is gearing up to perhaps double the number of troops in Afghanistan, we should be doing the opposite and getting the troops out. We are not doing any good, Stewart says. More troops means more fighting, which means more civilian casualties and violence and more people hating us and what we stand for. We need an Afghan solution for an Afghan problem. It is not a view that has made him very popular.
I agree with you but with one minor difference. I believe we have given the Afghanis a commitment that we will not allow them to suffer at the hands of the Taliban ever again. So I think we are unable to withdraw at this stage.
Our commitments are no doubt being increased, and to me this suggests that the coalition is determined to destroy the Taliban and eventually pursue the Taliban in Pakistan. At the moment I have little faith in American Commanders and their heavy handed approach. They always seem to create a big mess wherever they go, causing much unjustified collateral damage which slowly but surely changes public opinion.
The Afghan War is ideally suited for British/Australian SAS operations. These are the only troops which are suited to fight this type of warfare and at the same time maintain a very low footprint causing few if not no loss of innocent life. The Americans are incapable of this and have the Rambo syndrome as depicted in their movies but in actual fact they should really have a close look at how the SAS quietly goes about its business.
The only way there can be a quick withdrawal is if the coalition countries actually provide Afghanistan with billions of dollars in aid in order to equip the Afghan Security Forces and offer them specialised training. As they are able to demonstrate some control and effectiveness, then the coalition could then scale down and eventually withdraw. However, we will still be faced with the prospect of propping up their defence by providing them with vasts amounts of aid over many years, and I think we are obligated to do so. We can't just abandon them.
Rory Stewart makes some valid points. But I hope he is not inadvertently condemning the Afghans to Taliban rule.
I don't know whether we will achieve these objectives or not, but I think we need to give it a try. Obama seems to be giving me much hope and confidence at the moment and I really hope he can pull something out of the hat and end it all.
Listening to Talisker and Paphitis is like watching a Punch & Judy show…
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