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[Nickbat]

On the day before two more of our soldiers die in Afghanistan, it was announced (by Ainsworth) that there would be a major military operation to force Taliban militants from an area surrounding the town of Marja in Helmand province.

Call me old-fashioned but it used to a crime in WW2 to let out prior details of military operations - to prevent the enemy from preparing. Is this new idea deigned to give the Taleban time to make up the IEDs?

It seems bizarre to me.   

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8503130.stm

[Varche]

I must admit the same thought crossed my mind.

Then I thought it was just a heads up for the British public to be ready for more body bags. Out of 10,000 troops I recall that 4,000 were our people. Once again we are over represented.

[Debs.]

I can just visualise acne-faced MOD P.R boy`s meeting:

"We need to get back 'on-message'; lets make a BIG splash announcement: yeh, that`ll be cool!"

[Dishevelled Den]

I think it's an acknowledgement that the war will never be won in the conventional sense.

I suppose the hope is for some of the former insurgents and Taliban activists to throw their lot in with the Kabul administration or local tribal groups.

This initiative was tried in Iraq with al Sadr's group if I remember rightly.  The aim of course is to buy them off.  A method practised by this country on many occasions in the past - and by others of course - when traction towards total victory was lost.

[jereboam]

Could it be disinformation?  Perhaps the real operation is taking place elsewhere.

[Dodger]

Could it be disinformation?  Perhaps the real operation is taking place elsewhere.

Oh come on Jereboam, this goverment's not THAT clever!! Stupid, yes...clever? NO
(Mind you, most of them have trouble telling the truth anyway!!)

[Turk]

The reason for the announcement is that it will give the Taliban a chance to get out before the operation. The objective is to take back town and surrounding area.
I have a feeling that is going to be one booby trapped town when they get there tho.

[Lizzie_Zoom]

The reason for the announcement is that it will give the Taliban a chance to get out before the operation. The objective is to take back town and surrounding area.
I have a feeling that is going to be one booby trapped town when they get there tho.

Yes, seems like the days of area bombing are over.........what a shame!

No, not PC, but with the civilians being warned to get out perhaps it would save many a Allied soldiers life!  

[Gaffers]

The main aim was to give the locals notice to get out which most have.  Secondly it will hope to coax some of the tb who are dwindling in their support for the cause to come over to our side.  Dont forget that even though we encounter casualties we give them a pasting every time we go into things like this and not everyone wants to be on the receiving end of that too many times.

Dont give up your support, the forces have a job to do.  Let them do it

[Lizzie_Zoom]

The main aim was to give the locals notice to get out which most have.  Secondly it will hope to coax some of the tb who are dwindling in their support for the cause to come over to our side.  Dont forget that even though we encounter casualties we give them a pasting every time we go into things like this and not everyone wants to be on the receiving end of that too many times.

Dont give up your support, the forces have a job to do.  Let them do it

Well said Gaffers!

Yep, the British public can sound at times like the American public did in the late 1960s over Vietnam, and the Afganstan War is far more important and morally better placed! 8-) 8-) 8-) 8-)

[albitz]

I dont think that many people mistrust the ability or commitment of the forces to do the job. But many people seem to mistrust the armchair generals in Whitehall who make the big decisions.

[Gaffers]

I dont think that many people mistrust the ability or commitment of the forces to do the job. But many people seem to mistrust the armchair generals in Whitehall who make the big decisions.

I dont know why, generally they get it right and do what they can with what they are given by those above them 

Sh!t rolls downhill 

[Lizzie_Zoom]

I dont think that many people mistrust the ability or commitment of the forces to do the job. But many people seem to mistrust the armchair generals in Whitehall who make the big decisions.

Don't forget the American Generals in the Pentagon!

[Tony H]

I dont think that many people mistrust the ability or commitment of the forces to do the job. But many people seem to mistrust the armchair generals in Whitehall who make the big decisions.

I dont know why, generally they get it right and do what they can with what they are given by those above them 

Sh!t rolls downhill 

Agreed

[albitz]

Maybe I used the wrong phrase- armchair generals - I was referring much more to the politicians than senior Army personell.

With the obvious exception of the wonderful Bob Ainsworth of course,you couldnt find a man anywhere in the country better qualified for the job of secretary of state for defence.
Reminds me of Bernard Inghams quip about Geoff Hoon a few years back "Ive seen boy scouts with more military bearing".