Always known for plain speaking, Lord Ashdown, in calling for the immediate recall of British and Nato troops before another life is lost, for nothing, has expressed what the majority of the public feel – that the war was a costly mistake and a political failure which had achieved only one of its objectives, forcing al-Qaeda elsewhere. His words are blunt and will make uncomfortable reading for the politicians who continue to require their young men and women to serve in a hostile environment on a pointless objective where Afghan colleagues are not to be trusted. It was shocking to hear that Britain’s latest casualty, on Remembrance Sunday, was shot by an Afghan soldier at close range while playing in a football match.
In one Times article, the reality of the last 11 years in this chaotic country has been revealed, throwing open almost to ridicule the protestations, still being perpetuated, by world leaders that the war was essential for world peace and the well-being of Afghanistan. As well as stating the truth, Paddy Ashdown is teaching about the principle of acceptance also; he is saying, “this is how it is, now what do we do about it?” One of the many big mistakes of the war has been that politicians have tried to deny the reality and to twist the situation to make it conform with how they wish it to appear to be – as acceptable for media and public consumption as possible. It is time to accept and admit the failure, and to leave Afghanistan to govern itself in the way it chooses. There is no shame in admitting mistakes, and much to praise when every effort is made to put them right, as quickly and kindly as possible.]]>
Had the G.W. Bush administration not been so hell-bent upon invading Iraq after going into Afghanistan, the cock-up you mention here would have been far less of one at this late stage. Give G.W. Bush his due - whether he like it or not.