This may be controversial

[Dangermouse]

But I have to say it, On Tuesday my son was in amongst the massive IED that claimed 3 more British soldiers lives, he escaped unharmed physically but was shaken when he spoke to us about it, now a lot of people at work and around me and his mum are saying its time to get the lads out.......I personally say no, lets finish the job, the job is teaching the Afghan nationals how to correctly police their country without the Taliban taking control again, the job the US and UK troops has done is amazing, you want to see some of the photos of kids respecting our troops now, where as 5 years ago they were throwing stones, the major cities are now civilised and policed properly, girls can go about without fear of being stoned or shot for any small thing, the place is now different and so long as we finish what we started it hopefully will stay that way, it is only a small minority that want to terrorise the western world now and these people have to live in caves as most cities will not tolerate the way they treat people anymore, sadly we have lost good men over there, but these men were willing to sign up knowing full well they would be sent to Afghanistan after training and they lived for the army way of life, the same as I did and our son does, my son has had two very close calls there now, but he says its a lovely place with lovely people that need the break we are giving them, so hopefully no more men will be lost to this conflict but we really do need to be there to the end now to show the Afghanistan people we are on their side so they can carry one once we do leave in 2014 and be there for them if we are ever needed again.

so for now RIP 3 brave young men, gone but never forgotten.

 

[aces_up1504]

1st of all glad to hear your son is ok and RIP for the 3 men who did not make it.

But I agree with you, we have started it and we have to make sure we finish it or all those who have lost their lives during it could be in vain if the country is not probably stabilised before we leave.

 

[postman]

Glad your son is ok and my thoughts go out to the lads family's.That was a wonderful write up you did,seeing it from the side of a serving soldier and his family.I am still torn espesh when lives are lost.I pray your lad comes home safe.

 

[Arjimlad]

Amen to that, I pray protection for your son, and all like him who are risking so much to bring peace & freedom to others.

 

[Fnaar]

Glad to hear your son is OK, and though I never agreed with going in in the first place, now we're there, we need to finish the job. However, I reckon within 3 years of UK/US/the rest leaving, Johnny Taliban (or similar) will be in control again, unfortunately for the ordinary Afghanis.

 

[numbnuts]

I agree also, but at what price

 

[ayceejay]

If history repeats itself there will be no "finish". Although I admire the optimism your post demonstrates, especially in your circumstances, I don't share it. Look at Iraq that is now a bigger mess than it was ten years ago. The Afghan government is corrupt to the core and will transfer its loyalty to whoever makes the best offer after troops are withdrawn. It is heart breaking especially for those with a personal stake in this affair, that things got so out of control with no end in site and not much to show.
Disclaimer: this is in no way a criticism of your son or anyone else who puts themselves in harms way in an attempt to make the world a better place.

 

[classic33]

Having lost a friend in the Falklands, pulled/re-routed from Northern Ireland, from where his last posting was going to be. And having relatives in the armed forces in this country & abroad. I understand why they joined up & did what they did, I also respect them for what they chose to do.
But why do some choose to run them down for doing the job they wanted to do.

 

[vernon]

But why do some choose to run them down for doing the job they wanted to do.

Because we live in a democracy and free speech is allowed.

 

[classic33]

Because we live in a democracy and free speech is allowed.

Remind us, how were we able to have free speech!

 

[User482]

Remind us, how were we able to have free speech!

Bombing Iraqis? Training the Khmer Rouge?

 

[classic33]

Bombing Iraqis? Training the Khmer Rouge?

Go On.

 

[User482]

Go On.

Well, that's me convinced.

 

[classic33]

Well, that's me convinced.

Of what exactly! "Go on" was an instruction, not me making a snide comment.

 

[ayceejay]

1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.