rickyross3359
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Afghanistan - a winnable war and Britain's involvementObama has always said that its a YES WE CAN WAR. Well they also said that about Vietnam didn't they.
Trouble is trends are not moving in Washington's favour, and that fact is recognised by the Afghan people. There has been a major shift towards acceptance of the Taliban. Oh well we will see what these August elections bring.
As for the UK's involvement, this is now being tested and of course Brown is on the defensive over the war effort. 15 soldiers killed in the past couple of weeks. Should we be in there at all? I know that this is different from the illegal war in Iraq. However we need to remember our involvement in that war just heightened terrorism on our cities at home.
One of the major problems is how hold land after driving out the Taliban. In guerrilla manner, the Taliban fighters melt away when attacked, only to return when British forces have gone back to bases. The Russians tried it and failed 30 years ago! It's just like one step forward and 1 step back.
Are we in this for the long haul?
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rickyross3359
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I am quite surprised that Politics is way down the line for a Scottish forum.
Ok Just watched a programme on Thatcher and Scotland and her great poem recitation of Francis of Assisi.
Where there was steelworks,
let there be STARBUCKS
Where there is Shipbuilding,
let there be business and banking,
Where there is Rootes
Let there be retail.
Jings Politics here and the UK any topics anyone from Swine flue to Ferries on the sabbath get in touch on Scotland and UK wide topics on this Message board - its for you! you know you love it. Please post!
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Lord Stephen
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Being retired from the military, I suppose I can speak to the subject of war better than some. Do we belong in any country that doesnt really want us there? Only if events pose a DIRECT threat to our freedom. Obviously no one learned from Korea, Viet Nam, Iraq, Sudan, etc. If you fight a war, fight to WIN, go 100% or dont go at all. General Patton put it best when he said, "I dont want to hear how we are holding our ground. I want to hear how we are advancing." Despite the movies, there is no glory or honor in any war. And who hates war more than anyone? Those of us who have been involved in it.
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blind neep
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gone
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rickyross3359
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Personally I agree we should be in Afghanistan if it poses a direct threat to us. Does it? And was the threat to us simply heightened by us being in the illegal war of Iraq?
Personally I don't think the UK should feel its the great Empire it once was. For Gordon Brown to puff out his chest and boast that the UK still has the second biggest defence budget in the world < as he did in PM's questions>. I think how big are we and doesn't there come a time when defence needs to be about more border control and immigration control rather than sending 18yr olds to war. I believe as a nation of 5 million we should be having a taking stock exercise and tell the UK to shove it.
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blind neep
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gone
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rickyross3359
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Actually I was just stating a personal opinion of which there are any I am sure. One thing is for sure I do not need to answer to you.
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rickyross3359
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As for the "Make up your fuc---- mind remark". I have already made it clear that I don't think we should be there. However if they posed a direct threat to us then of course that would be different.
How would they make a direct threat to us though? The real threat of terrorism has come out of the illegal Bush/Blair war in Iraq. That should have been the no go area.
Anyway just good to get the discussion going in the wrong direction.
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rickyross3359
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Someone quoted Vera Lynn the old 2nd world warbler saying "Used to be our boys went to war to fight for their Country, now it seems that they go to war for other Countries". 204 dead and I really hope its not in vain.
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WACOlives
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Sadly, Rossie, it makes me mad every time I see the numbers going up ... sickening..and we'll never win.
Outsiders have tried for centuries to 'conquer' the Afghans. They're too entrenched, too tribal and too bloody smart for us. 
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rickyross3359
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Sad to say you are absolutely SPOT ON WACO so when will we just pull out or is that a political no no? The government are doing a - 
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BoB
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Don't know about being to smart!
They are like the Scots, to bloody thrawn to give up 
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rickyross3359
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Bob I guess you are right.
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