So we finally have the reason for the Iraq troop withdrawal.

[Kathyan]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7055377.stm

I wondered how long it would be!

[4GS]

The propblem is Kathyan, we have so few troops now and we are stretched to the absolute limit when it comes to troop deployment that we have to shuffle where we put them, I think they (the Govt and MOD) thought that if we leave Bosnia we would have the manpower to fill the gaps in Iraq/Afghanistan etc.
Wrong move

[Kathyan]

I know of the shortages first hand, my husband is in the Army and doing the work of three men! I just wish the Government would be honest about why they do the things they do, some hope!

[4GS]

I know, I used to have another username.
I left 3 years ago due to not agreeing with the war, troop/equipment shortages, poor condition, poor pay, abolutley abismal standard of recruits

[Lonnie]

Further to Johns answer, Afghanistan by itself is unwinnable.

1. You have to stop foreign powers (Iran?) supplying the
Taliban.
2) You'd have to get rid of their bases in Pakistan.
3) The goverment of Pakistan, even though they are doing
their little bit, needs to do a lot more.
4) You need the population, as a whole, to be actively
against the Taliban, at the very least vocally

Unless these and other targets are met, us being there is a waste of time, money and manpower. so withdrawing troops from Iraq to go to Afghanistan is really a propoganda exercise.
The bodybags will still keep coming.

[4GS]

I don't think any country in history has succeded in 'taming' Afghanistan, they kicked our butts in the 1800's, look at what they did to the Soviets in the 1980's. That country is always going to be lawless.

[Gromit]

You may find this link on UK troop deployment interesting.


http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4094818.stm#nire land

[anotheoldgit]

It's about time our other NATO members got off their butts, and joined us in the danger areas. If they refuse then why don't we withdraw?

[kwicky]

If the USA got out of Iraq and turned its attention to the Taliban they would receive greater worldwide support. The UK should only supply enough forces to make up an EU combined force. If all those EU countries just supplied a 1000 troops there would be over 27000 as a unit rather than acting as a dogsbody by providing 7500 as now.