You are so right andy-hughes etc and I have have expressed exactly the same views. Poor Gromit, Jack or Jake etc., you do not learn from history. Don't make us laugh over Vietnam withdrawal was due to public pressure Jake. Un-thought out conlicts (note: we don't go to war any more - we get involved in "conflicts"). The former USSR govt did not chose to leave but were forced to do so by public opinion after the loss of 11,000. We have lost wars/conflicts before and then handed over power to our "enemies". Examples are now ex-colonies e.g handed over to Archbishop Makarios or Mau-mau. The predominant power, in a tribal state which wishes to remain that way, are the Taliban. We could reach peaceful agreement with the Taliban and Afghans. However this can't happen while we and Allies go on killing their innocent women and children. Similarly impossible if we set up a "puppet" leader, Khazi. Even this puppet is against women's rights. He'll just grab all the bribes he can and then flee to France or Switzerland or dare I say U.K.? Bet you still don't gettit Gromit, Jack-the-hat or Jake-the-peg etc. You are beyond hope of seeing what's in front of your face and beyond remption for future deaths. I pity you.