Daniel Flitton, The Age, October 7:
The Federal Government is yet to convincingly explain why it opposed an open-ended war in Iraq but is willing to back a seemingly endless commitment in Afghanistan. The two conflicts are linked, at least in heated argument. Along with many opponents of the Iraq venture, Labor argues that the invasion was a strategic distraction, soaking up military resources and allowing the situation in Afghanistan to worsen.
But even if the United States had not toppled Saddam Hussein, would Afghanistan be in a better position now?
When will the Western powers realise that we should never have invaded Afghanistan, our presence there is only making the situation worse and we should retreat immediately?
If anything may make governments think twice again before embarking on an ill-conceived mission, a solid thumping would certainly help.
We have no business being in Afghanistan and we aren’t making the lives of people there better.
This article is consistent with a report in ‘Times on Line’ of 2nd October 2008. That report quoted an alleged view expressed by a British envoy, Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles wherein it is reported that he said the eforts in Afghanistan are doomed to failure. I thought I heard Defence Minister Fitzgibbon saying something similar in the last day or so.
In view of the fact that the US reason for going (planned prior to 9/11. see General Wesley Clark’s U tube interview re Sept’ 2001 information; “We are going to do 7 countries in 5 years starting with Afghanistan,….. and ending with Iran”)was to secure the building of an oil pipeline, it would ’seem’ to be criminal and immoral for us (or anyone esle) being there.
Oh well; “All the way with US of A”, say many of our spineless politicians supported by a controlled media.
Then again, the controlled media has so many other investigative local crime stories to cover and does not have time for a few facts covering our joining in the killing, attempted conquests and thefts from other countries.
The War Crimes Tribunal may have a long hearing!!!
Yes, you’re absolutely right. We should pull out the troops now, and replace them with an unarmed peace corps made up of homosexuals, jews and women who dare to walk around displaying their ankles.