The British Commanders have just handed 'Control' of the most dangerous area of Afghanistan to the Americans, freely admitting that their 'Task' there was a failure and that they hoped the American forces would have more success than they did.
Meanwhile, back home in the lands which the troops who have been killed hailed from, the general populations are being daily informed that those troops 'Did Not Die In Vain' and in EVERY case, the unfortunate soul has been eulogized in precisely the same fashion.
Each one is a 'Hero', each one gave up his (or her) life gladly, each one was a credit to the family etc, the list goes on.
Well, as one who is now bound for the region where dying troops are commonplace, let me tell you that a dying troop, probably or possibly bereft of their arms or legs, is hardly likely to consider that they are NOT 'Dying In Vain', particularly if they are equipped with the knowledge that their Commanders have admitted failure.
Furthermore, and I expect to be criticised by some, the whole scenario taking place in both Iraq (still going great guns) AND Afghanistan (somewhat more of a problem than was anticipated) is not only an inexcusable assault upon lesser nations, but also an assault on the intelligence of the general populations of ALL the aggressive nations involved when they are informed that their Sons and Daughters 'Did Not Die In Vain'.
I will shortly be leaving these shores, I will be absent for at least a month, the Good Lord only knows what horrors I might see BUT, be assured of one thing, I will not be deceived by lies and hyped up versions of 'Heroics' on the fields of honour, 'I' recognise 'Bullying' when I see it and I have the greatest sympathy for those unfortunate troops who are FORCED (by the dictates of their Commanders) to 'Die In Vain' IMHO.
