Thread: Should we be in Afghanistan

I served 2 years in Iraq and was invalided out in 2004.

I didn't agree with being there and was 2 months short of completing my last tour before injury.

My cousin is a naval doctor operating in 'Camp bastian' in Afghanistan, should we be there?

It's a really tough question. He believes that communication with the locals will work.

I think it's like going back in time to the wild west and trying to tame it overnight.

What's your view!

Edit to original question:

My view of Afghanistan is based on what I've heard from friends and the news. Which is that the country has always been a largely lawless state(main export being heroin) and that there isn't the infrastructure in place, like Iraq has, for the country to look after itself.

Regardless I have to go against my views and bear in mind my cousins view. As head of a medical unit at camp bastian he sees the worst of what happens to our troops everyday and still treats any of the injured he recieves the same way. Including Taliban fighters and the locals.

He's been taking the time to learn the language and is aware that alot of the afghan people want to farm their own land and provide for themselves.

If we walk away now they'll always be at threat from either, the taliban or opium dealers that will tell them what they can farm.

I guess it adds another twist to the argument. I'm still not convinced, but what other options can we offer them???

Pics or you were never there

The queens colour 3 commando Brigade.

Back in the day!

I really can't say whether we should be there or not. I signed up to defend my country, not question how I defend it. It's not really my call. I agree with what my officials think is the best way to keep everyone safe back home.

My service history isn't the point.

I'm curious to see what people think of the war in afghanistan.

Is it valid or not?

USA FTW! i guess we had to do something but, we still are th worlds largest superpower so nobody could stop us if they wanted too

Originally Posted by guy

My service history isn't the point.

I'm curious to see what people think of the war in afghanistan.

Is it valid or not?

Its not for sure. What is the proof they have "secret weapon"?
Israel have it, why not attack them?
North Korea also publicly announce they have Nuclear Weapon and whatsoever, why US use diplomacy with them?

Personally I think it's valid. It was definitely justified after September 11 and they may as well see the job to the end rather than pull out and leave the Taliban to retake the country, Afghanistan is a narco state and something needed to be done and for whatever reason, something is being done. In my mind that is a good thing.

As for Israel and north Korea, Israel is one of the US's closest allies and north Korea aren't a direct threat right now, cripling international sanctions against north Korea have left the country in poverty and to attack them now would result in massive casualties with little gain. It's just not worth it. The best route for north Korea right now is the diplomatic one. In Afghanistan, that's just not possible.

Originally Posted by ScottK

Its not for sure. What is the proof they have "secret weapon"?
Israel have it, why not attack them?
North Korea also publicly announce they have Nuclear Weapon and whatsoever, why US use diplomacy with them?

please don't attack us!
we don't really have a nuclear weapon:001_tongue: