Originally Posted by seaweed

The creativity with which our Govt finds ever more pointless ways to throw away our money is amazing.

Such the £350 million a year we give to that nuclear, space programme country known as India. If they think that building the bomb is more worthwhile than housing and feeding the 990million citizens who live in adject poverty, who are we to argue with them. But 350 pence would be an out rage. Same as China I be leave.

Originally Posted by seaweed

The creativity with which our Govt finds ever more pointless ways to throw away our money is amazing.

Yup - as another post said, they are simply fulfilling one of their promises, possibly made to the UN, US or whatever. Our politicians in particular still haven't made the connection between their throwing money at various impossible projects, and the contributions/donations made by the taxpayer. Time someone showed them!

Originally Posted by Robbeaus

Such the £350 million a year we give to that nuclear, space programme country known as India. If they think that building the bomb is more worthwhile than housing and feeding the 990million citizens who live in adject poverty, who are we to argue with them. But 350 pence would be an out rage. Same as China I be leave.

Same as Pakistan - spend millions, including our aid, on nuclear and other weapons, and do nothing about shoring up the banks of the Indus to prevent future flooding.

Not really news is it? This is a rehash from the mid 1800s payout for stability/peace. It only works to a point, has no lasting positive effect on the area and reinforces perceptions of weakness. One gets what one pays for and in this instance, we get an exit.

The Taliban are not stupid, uncoordinated, or unable to learn from mistakes. They have demonstrated an ability to rapidly exploit weaknesses or tactical errors. The opening of an office in Qatar is much more a statement of political intent for reacquisition of national power rather than an overture to Karzai for "peace." Any understanding reached between the two will be of very short duration. Most observers might suggest that Karzai should be considering his travel arrangements.

If you have an interest, you might consider an article from 2009 that critiqued the IC understanding of the Taliban and efforts for containment. Don't agree with all the points but found it useful at the time and unfortunately much of what was correct was not addressed.
http://carnegieendowment.org/files/t...g_strategy.pdf

"I would characterize the Taliban strategy in very simple terms," said retired Army Lt. Gen. David Barno. Speaking at the Marine conference on counterinsurgency last Wednesday, Barno, who was the overall commander in Afghanistan from 2003 to 2005, and was one of the more competent generals we've had there, said the Talibian think that they are winning and that the war is nearly over, and so "their strategy is simply to run out the clock." 2009

Originally Posted by Grubby Bum III

Same as Pakistan - spend millions, including our aid, on nuclear and other weapons, and do nothing about shoring up the banks of the Indus to prevent future flooding.

There are slight differences with the Indians, Pindi takes the aid and is fast tracking its nuclear arsenal AND is fighting a proxy war against USAF via folk like the Haqqanis. A war that probably can be sustained indefinitely as they have secure rear basing in FATA, a river of money from the Kingships and an endless supply of cannon fodder from the Deobandi Madrasahs. Pindi has also milked the LOS up from Karachi for over a decade. Folk who are not even worried about losing tens of millions civilians in a nuclear exchange with India aren't likely to care much about the Indus banks.

Fuck me its taken how long to work out that the whole place is shit? the whole adventure is a waste of money and lives which only encourages rampant criminals immigrating into the UK masquerading as refugees.
Shouldnt have gone in there in the first place!

There were several scenarios under discussion concerning the Taliban and their guests at the start. Not all would have lead to this point. Unfortunately, we continue to choose less favourable paths that provided a trajectory we are unable or unwilling to complete. Short term goals leading to short sighted outcomes.

Originally Posted by alib

There are slight differences with the Indians, Pindi takes the aid and is fast tracking its nuclear arsenal AND is fighting a proxy war against USAF via folk like the Haqqanis. A war that probably can be sustained indefinitely as they have secure rear basing in FATA, a river of money from the Kingships and an endless supply of cannon fodder from the Deobandi Madrasahs. Pindi has also milked the LOS up from Karachi for over a decade. Folk who are not even worried about losing tens of millions civilians in a nuclear exchange with India aren't likely to care much about the Indus banks.

Touche - that was the point I was making ........., I think.

Originally Posted by Bushmills

PS 1200 quid a year is BIG money for an Afghan.

BS. You obviously have never been there. A MONTHLY wage in Kabul at the moment is roughly $800 US...

edited to add: a semi-skilled worker in Lashkar Gah can expect to get at least $400-500.

Originally Posted by ugly

Fuck me its taken how long to work out that the whole place is shit? the whole adventure is a waste of money and lives which only encourages rampant criminals immigrating into the UK masquerading as refugees.
Shouldnt have gone in there in the first place!

Being half Pashtun myself - and thats something I'm not proud off. I agree, we should have kept away from Afghan. I fear worst is to come.