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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2><FONT size=4>Troops need to 'hold ground' against
Taliban after triumph in Operation Moshtarak, says Ainsworth <BR></FONT></DIV>
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<DIV>By <A class=author
href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/search.html?s=y&authornamef=Christopher+Leake"
rel=nofollow><FONT color=#003580>Christopher Leake</FONT></A><BR>Last updated at
12:17 PM on 14th February 2010</DIV><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 1.2em" size=2>
<DIV><BR></DIV></FONT>
<DIV><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 1.2em" size=2>The biggest offensive against the
Taliban since hostilities began in Afghanistan has been a success but troops
must now 'hold the ground', Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth said
today.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 1.2em" size=2>Two allied soldiers, including one
Briton, died in the first day's fighting in Operation Moshtarak.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 1.2em" size=2>Mr Ainsworth told BBC News: 'The
operation is going well. The big test is whether or not we can hold the ground
and provide security for the people who live there.'<BR></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 1.2em">He admitted some Afghans would
'hedge their bets' until they were sure the Taliban had lost
control.</FONT></FONT></DIV>
<DIV class=clear></DIV>
<DIV class=imageCaption><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 1.2em" size=2>He said: 'Over the
coming months can we show them we intend to stay, that the Afghan government
intends to stay.'</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 1.2em" size=2>A British soldier, from 1st Battalion
Grenadier Guards, died yesterday while on patrol in a Jackal armoured patrol
vehicle in the Taliban stronghold of Nad-e-Ali, Helmand province, hours after
the operation began under cover of darkness.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV class=relatedItemsTopBorder><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 1.2em" size=2>He was
the 258th British soldier to die since hostilities began in 2001. His next of
kin have been informed and he is likely to be named later today.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV class=clear></DIV>
<DIV><IMG class=blkBorder height=412
alt="U.S. marines protect an Afghan man and his child after Taliban fighters opened fire in the town of Marjah in Helmand province"
src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/02/14/article-1250904-0845E4A1000005DC-492_634x412.jpg"
width=634> </DIV>
<DIV class=imageCaption><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 1.2em" size=2>An American
soldier was killed by small arms fire as he took part in the air and ground
assault, designed to clear the insurgents from their heartland.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 1.2em">Nato said a further three US soldiers were
killed in bombings elsewhere in Afghanistan. </DIV>
<DIV class=relatedItemsTopBorder></FONT><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 1.2em"
size=2>Britain has committed 4,000 troops to Operation Moshtarak –
‘togetherness’ in the local Dari language – which is seen as the acid test of
Barack Obama’s strategy to remove the Taliban from its remaining strongholds and
hand over control to the Afghan people.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 1.2em" size=2>At least 20 Taliban died during the
operation in firefights with Nato troops and another 11 were captured along with
Kalashnikov rifles, heavy machine guns and grenades.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV class=clear></DIV>
<DIV class=floatRHS> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 1.2em" size=2>Mr Ainsworth and UK military
commanders had warned before the operation that they expected casualties as they
entered Taliban strongholds.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 1.2em" size=2>Lieutenant-Colonel Matt Bazeley, who
is in Afghanistan commanding 28 Engineer Regiment, described the area as ‘the
heart of darkness’.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 1.2em" size=2>The dead British soldier was among
15,000 US, UK, Danish, Estonian and Afghan troops who swept in a pincer movement
on the Helmand province areas of Marjah and Nad-e-Ali in a dawn raid aimed at
clearing the Taliban from their remaining positions.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 1.2em" size=2>The assault started at 2am yesterday,
with US and British helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft attacking known Taliban
positions. US Apache helicopters fired Hellfire missiles at targets, but the
British forces are thought not to have bombed the enemy in order to avoid
civilian casualties.</FONT></DIV><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 1.2em"></FONT>
<DIV><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 1.2em" size=2>By 2.30am, the air strikes were
complete and were followed by troops – including British soldiers from the
Grenadier and Coldstream Guards and the Royal Welsh Regiment – being flown in to
mount a ground assault.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV class=clear></DIV>
<DIV><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 1.2em" size=2>Around 1,200 British troops took
control of an area of compounds and fields surrounded by canals and muddy tracks
with little resistance from the Taliban. A further 2,800 UK soldiers were on
standby to move in if required.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 1.2em" size=2>Most of the insurgents, who numbered
up to 1,000 a week ago, had fled the area after Nato warned they were to mount a
major offensive, leaving only a hard core of diehards to fight against the
heavily-armed allied soldiers. The majority of locals had also fled, mainly to
nearby Lashkar Gah.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 1.2em" size=2>As the attack got underway, sources
on the ground described hearing a series of control-led explosions as advance
troops picked their way through minefields and booby-trapped routes on the way
to the Helmand town of Marjah. <BR></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 1.2em" size=2>U.S. Cobra helicopters and Harrier
jets fired missiles at bunkers and tunnels before exchanging fire with Taliban
fighters.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 1.2em" size=2>Progress was careful due to
booby-traps and minefields. Marines had to build substitute bridges over a canal
leading into the town as the main bridge was so heavily trapped with
mines.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 1.2em" size=2>'I did get an adrenaline rush, and
that bridge is wobbly,' Lance Corporal Ivan Meza, 19, said after he was one of
the first to cross a substitute bridge.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 1.2em" size=2>Locals reported seeing Taliban
fighters abandon the route as the Marines approached.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 1.2em">'They left with their
motorcycles and their guns. They went deeper into town,' a shopkeeper was
reported as saying as Marines searched a poppy field next to his house for
mines.</FONT><BR></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 1.2em" size=2>British troops were told not to
follow obvious tracks as they made their way into town to reduce the risk of
improvised explosive devices.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 1.2em" size=2>British forces are set to start a
'consolidation phase' today in an area north of Marjah.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 1.2em" size=2>Last night, British Forces
Afghanistan spokesman Major General Gordon Messenger said the first stage of the
operation had gone ‘as well as it could have done’.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 1.2em" size=2>But he warned Nato military chiefs
were under no illusion that the Taliban might return in a matter of days. Gen
Messenger added that ‘low numbers’ of insurgents were killed during the attacks,
but that efforts by British troops in an area known as the Chah-e-Anjir Triangle
had been successful.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV class=clear></DIV>
<DIV class=imageCaption>The British soldiers are among 15,000 troops mobilized
for the operation, the largest offensive since the US-led coalition invaded
Afghanistan in October 2001</DIV>
<DIV class=clear></DIV>
<DIV><BR></DIV>
<DIV class=clear></DIV>
<DIV><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 1.2em" size=2>He said: ‘There’s no complacency.
Everyone understands this is the easy bit. The hard bit is what comes next in
reassuring the local community. This is all about winning the allegiance of the
population. That allegiance is not won in a day. It must be won over
time.’</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 1.2em" size=2>Gen Messenger said the Marjah region
was pivotal, and unless coalition forces could demonstrate such volatile
districts then troops would be unable to move to the next level of the
campaign.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 1.2em" size=2>As the operation continued Foreign
Secretary David Miliband said it was 'premature' to discuss when British troops
could withdraw from Afghanistan.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 1.2em" size=2>Asked if the progress of the training
of the Afghan National Army and the operation's initial success could mean
soldiers may be able to return home as early as next year, he told Sky News
Sunday Live: 'I think that two days into this operation it's premature to start
talking in that terms.<BR></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 1.2em" size=2>'The allegiance of the local
population is won over months and not over days but what has clearly happened is
we are in a decisive year in the Afghan campaign and Helmand province is a
decisive province and this part of Helmand province is a decisive
centre.<BR></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 1.2em" size=2>'It is, if you like, the nerve centre
of the insurgency and of the narcotics industry. That's what explains the very
high degree of planning that has gone into this operation.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 1.2em" size=2>'I think that as regards British
troops it would be quite wrong to come on this programme and make glib
promises.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 1.2em" size=2>'What we always say is that British
troops are making a huge difference on the ground.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 1.2em" size=2>'We mourn the loss of another soldier
yesterday and we grieve with his family and with his friends.<BR></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 1.2em">'Equally, we say, we want to
get troops home as soon as it's safe for them to do so. That is why we point out
that the training up of the ANA is so significant, why the creation of a
political process in which the Afghans believe is so significant and why we also
say that keeping out Al Qaida is in all of our
interests.'</FONT></FONT></DIV><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 1.2em"></FONT>
<DIV><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 1.2em" size=2>Last night, Prime Minister Gordon
Brown paid tribute to the lost soldier who he said had ‘made the ultimate
sacrifice’ and hailed the troops’ success.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 1.2em" size=2>He said: ‘I’m very proud of the
exceptional role that British forces have played and the amazing bravery that
has been shown, the night assault that had to take place, the huge effort that
is now being made to hold the land. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 1.2em" size=2>‘It is sad that we have lost one of
our most courageous soldiers in this effort. I want to pass on my condolences to
his family and friends. He was very brave and very courageous and made the
ultimate sacrifice for our country.’</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> <A
href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1250904/Bomb-kills-British-soldier--Taliban-fled-battlefield.html#ixzz0fVxifZ25"><FONT
color=#003580>http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1250904/Bomb-kills-British-soldier--Taliban-fled-battlefield.html#ixzz0fVxifZ25</FONT></A></DIV>
<DIV>---------------</DIV>
<DIV>Yeah right. Gorilla fighters always retreat and then come back. They never
dig in unless they have to. In other words a massive offensive will and can
never work. <BR>This is a publicity exercise and nothing more, and as the
gentleman said: advertising it only allows for preparation of the enemy.</DIV>
<DIV class="user-info bold">- marcus, Middlesbrough. UK, 14/2/2010 12:48</DIV>
<DIV class="js-report-abuse report-abuse link-gr5ox">---<A
href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1250904/reportAbuseInComment.html?articleId=1250904&commentId=22748408"><FONT
color=#003580></FONT></A></DIV>
<DIV class="rating positive" rel="22748408">This is just planned media coverage
to try and convince the uk that this dreadful loss of life is worth it. Well i
dont belive it is. My thoughts are with the bereaved families who are bearing
the cost of a pointless battle.</DIV>
<DIV class="user-info bold">- elaine, birmingham, 14/2/2010 12:36</DIV>
<DIV class="js-report-abuse report-abuse link-gr5ox">---<A
href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1250904/reportAbuseInComment.html?articleId=1250904&commentId=22748301"><FONT
color=#003580></FONT></A></DIV>
<DIV class="rating positive" rel="22748301">"He was the 258th British soldier to
die since hostilities began in 2001." <BR>200 until mid August 2009. 58 in the
last six months. Things are getting worse, not better.</DIV>
<DIV class="user-info bold">- Conor, UK, 14/2/2010 12:04</DIV>
<DIV class="js-report-abuse report-abuse link-gr5ox">---<A
href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1250904/reportAbuseInComment.html?articleId=1250904&commentId=22748014"><FONT
color=#003580></FONT></A></DIV>
<DIV class="rating positive" rel="22748014">I think that the advance publicity
was intentional to avoid bloodshed and so that the operation could be seen as a
success.As the D/M writes,now positions have to be held which will presumably
need more men than collectively we have got,so expect another recruitment
drive.No doubt this will mean increased allied deaths.</DIV>
<DIV class="user-info bold">- michael savell, brittany,france, 14/2/2010
11:59</DIV>
<DIV class="js-report-abuse report-abuse link-gr5ox">---<A
href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1250904/reportAbuseInComment.html?articleId=1250904&commentId=22747936"><FONT
color=#003580></FONT></A></DIV>
<DIV class="rating positive" rel="22747936">Whilst our warriors are out there
fighting with all their strength, celebrities and lawers are getting very very
rich on loopholes to get them out of crime at home. What a wonderful country we
have become full of selfishness and greed, another divide of them and us. And it
is the us, who are sent to fight the poiticians dirty wars for them whilst their
lives of luxury go on uninterrupted. Rule Brittania. By the way footballers and
sport celebrities please do not sing our national anthem it will be
farcical.......</DIV>
<DIV class="user-info bold">- LUCY LOU, LINCOLN, UK, 14/2/2010 11:59</DIV>
<DIV class="js-report-abuse report-abuse link-gr5ox">---<A
href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1250904/reportAbuseInComment.html?articleId=1250904&commentId=22747939"><FONT
color=#003580></FONT></A></DIV>
<DIV class="rating positive" rel="22747939">We warn the Taliban that we are
coming so they can deploy IEDs and bury their weapons. Then wait till the
invaders get bored and return to their camps. The Taliban dig up their weapons
and it will be business as usual within a month. <BR>The Afghans don't even
trust the neighbouring tribes, so they are NEVER going to embrace a central
government. Has our Foreign Office lost all the records of our previous
excursions into Afghanistan? <BR>This is a war born out of a failed US Middle
East policy; why the hell is the UK paying £Billions and sacrificing soldiers
for an un-winnable campaign?</DIV>
<DIV class="user-info bold">- Steve, Prestatyn, 14/2/2010 11:57</DIV>
<DIV class="js-report-abuse report-abuse link-gr5ox">---<A
href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1250904/reportAbuseInComment.html?articleId=1250904&commentId=22747906"><FONT
color=#003580></FONT></A></DIV>
<DIV class="rating positive" rel="22747906">We are not doing this on our own.
NATO countries are providing their soldiers too along with the USA. It is a
bigger picture than just us against them. All Europe is struggling with
immigration/drugs and the threat of terrorism. Let us pray for our men to come
home safely, and let us treat with honour those who do not make it back, and
those who are injured to have the very best treatment and compensation for their
valour. <BR>Most of all it is to be hoped that Afghanistan and its people soon
return to some sort of normality and that a hard won peace allows them to
rebuild their lives and their country.</DIV>
<DIV class="user-info bold">- Annie, Warminster, 14/2/2010 11:46</DIV>
<DIV class="js-report-abuse report-abuse link-gr5ox">---<A
href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1250904/reportAbuseInComment.html?articleId=1250904&commentId=22747834"><FONT
color=#003580></FONT></A></DIV>
<DIV class="rating positive" rel="22747834">If you need some kind of financial
marker on this debacal, it is costing approximately £13 million per day to
finance, all of which we are borrowing from America. Now then , if £13,000,000
is multiplied by the number of days we have spent in Afghanistan, you will see
what an astronomical figure it tots up to. When all the dust settles, and we
have to pay America back, we will also be paying interest on the sum borrowed.
This is fundementally Americas war, WE ARE BORROWING VAST AMOUNTS OF MONEY FROM
AMERICA TO FIGHT THEIR WAR FOR THEM ! ! ! HOW CRAZY CAN WE GET, <BR>- Jack,
Worksop, Notts., 14/2/2010 11:39</DIV>
<DIV class="js-report-abuse report-abuse link-gr5ox">---<A
href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1250904/reportAbuseInComment.html?articleId=1250904&commentId=22747749"><FONT
color=#003580></FONT></A></DIV>
<DIV class="rating positive" rel="22747749">how can you expect to beat an
adversary when you tell him that you are coming the week before,sounds typical
of the labour gov strategy</DIV>
<DIV class="user-info bold">- silver fox, farnworth,bolton, 14/2/2010
11:29</DIV>
<DIV class="js-report-abuse report-abuse link-gr5ox">---<A
href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1250904/reportAbuseInComment.html?articleId=1250904&commentId=22747655"><FONT
color=#003580></FONT></A></DIV>
<DIV class="rating positive" rel="22747655">Pull out the regular forces and beef
up the SAS and Special Forces. They will be able to fight the Taliban on their
own ground in a way that ensures success ( at least in the eyes of the West).
This is not a conventional war but a guerrilla war. Allow the specialists to do
they job they are good at and bring the rest of the troops home. The other
alternative is to get out of Afganistan altogether and allow the Afghan people
to decide their own future.</DIV>
<DIV class="user-info bold">- worldplayer, Just an idea, 14/2/2010 11:22</DIV>
<DIV class="js-report-abuse report-abuse link-gr5ox">---<A
href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1250904/reportAbuseInComment.html?articleId=1250904&commentId=22747578"><FONT
color=#003580></FONT></A></DIV>
<DIV class="rating positive" rel="22747578">reading the coments of your readers,
they rant on about why did we tell the taliban they were coming because women
and children would have been killed. they should understand how hard it is to
tell who is who at night and in battle.so come on and live in the real world and
not use politics behind your coments.</DIV>
<DIV class="user-info bold">- joe williams, seaham,england, 14/2/2010
11:21</DIV>
<DIV class=comment-body>keep fighting boys, we know you have to fight the war
with one arm behind your backs, but like all brave men. you will fight like the
lions you are. and know this, your leaders are here, crying on tv, wollowing in
selfpity. thank god its you there and not them. we will do how best to make sure
that these two are not here when you come back. stay safe.</DIV>
<DIV class="user-info bold">- vincent barrett, spain, 14/2/2010 11:19</DIV>
<DIV class="js-report-abuse report-abuse link-gr5ox">---<A
href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1250904/reportAbuseInComment.html?articleId=1250904&commentId=22747522"><FONT
color=#003580></FONT></A></DIV>
<DIV class="rating positive" rel="22747522">Just bring our Troops home. <BR>The
threat is not from over there. <BR>This government has let them <BR>In, indeed
encouraged them. <BR>Let our soldiers protect us here !</DIV>
<DIV class="user-info bold">- Gerry, England, 14/2/2010 11:18</DIV>
<DIV class="js-report-abuse report-abuse link-gr5ox">---<A
href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1250904/reportAbuseInComment.html?articleId=1250904&commentId=22747512"><FONT
color=#003580></FONT></A></DIV>
<DIV class="rating positive" rel="22747512">Come on, the Taliban must be lacking
some smarts or they would do this every time. I cant understand why they just
don't disappear with all their kit well hidden and wait five years until the
West say they have won the war on terror, <BR>rebuild every thing put a Western
biased government inpower,reduce their troops to virtually nothing and then come
back out of the wood work and take up where they left off.This is a conflict
that is a waste of lives for no reason certainly not to prevent terrorism in
this country,probably actually causes most of it,its definitely Lions told what
to do by Government Donkeys.</DIV>
<DIV class="user-info bold">- England Fan, Hull Yorks., 14/2/2010 11:13</DIV>
<DIV class="js-report-abuse report-abuse link-gr5ox">---<A
href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1250904/reportAbuseInComment.html?articleId=1250904&commentId=22747446"><FONT
color=#003580></FONT></A></DIV>
<DIV class="rating positive" rel="22747446">Same situation as the Boer War as
Comrade Ainsworth toes the line as he did at Jaguar. Rather more frightening is
The Independents article about underground prisons which appear exactly the same
as we were told Hussein's used to such great effect.</DIV>
<DIV class="user-info bold">- rob, France, 14/2/2010 11:06</DIV>
<DIV class="js-report-abuse report-abuse link-gr5ox">---<A
href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1250904/reportAbuseInComment.html?articleId=1250904&commentId=22747334"><FONT
color=#003580></FONT></A></DIV>
<DIV class="rating positive" rel="22747334">And of course the Taliban were not
there to greet the boys, as they knew about it weeks ago. They must be laughing
there socks.</DIV>
<DIV class="user-info bold">- wind, in the willows, 14/2/2010 11:04</DIV>
<DIV class="js-report-abuse report-abuse link-gr5ox">---<A
href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1250904/reportAbuseInComment.html?articleId=1250904&commentId=22747342"><FONT
color=#003580></FONT></A></DIV>
<DIV class="rating positive" rel="22747342">The aim was to regain control over
this area. Mission accomplished. Taliban? Not in control. Mission accomplished.
<BR>Sure, the hard task is keeping control, but that is why the Afghan Army was
involved this time. They are the 'occupiers'. Not us. <BR>Stop berating our
soldiers and their leadership. The press releases were done to reduce
casualities. It did the job. Mission accomplished.</DIV>
<DIV class="user-info bold">- Flippin Heck, Redcar, 14/2/2010 10:54</DIV>
<DIV class="js-report-abuse report-abuse link-gr5ox">---<A
href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1250904/reportAbuseInComment.html?articleId=1250904&commentId=22747263"><FONT
color=#003580></FONT></A></DIV>
<DIV class="rating positive" rel="22747263">Western governments just don't seem
to understand the concept of the tribal culture of the Afghans, or appreciate
how large a factor Islamic Faith is to them. Even if we accept the 'Hearts and
Minds' strategy for a moment, and the publishing of the attack plan - as soon as
we depart, the Taliban will be back. We are alien to the local people - the
Taliban are not. Why do we not learn from history? Give up now, Brown - you are
never going to outshine Maggie Thatcher, militarily or politically, she won a
war, you have lost, her government left the country solvent, you are leaving it
broke.</DIV>
<DIV class="user-info bold">- Mike, Folkestone England, 14/2/2010 10:54</DIV>
<DIV class="js-report-abuse report-abuse link-gr5ox">---<A
href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1250904/reportAbuseInComment.html?articleId=1250904&commentId=22747172"><FONT
color=#003580></FONT></A></DIV>
<DIV class="rating " rel="22747172">who planned the operation the keystone
cops?</DIV>
<DIV class="user-info bold">- ENGLANDER, SLEEPY HOLLOW ENGLAND, 14/2/2010
10:11</DIV>
<DIV class=comment-body>It really begs belief as to who gave authority for the
start date of the operation to be broadcast worldwide. Did they expect the
Taliban just to sit and wait for the military to arrive ?. <BR>Of course the
Taliban were going to depart and on doing so plant as many IED's and booby traps
as was possible to do. <BR>"Troops need to 'hold ground' against Taliban after
triumph in Operation Moshtarak", says the most inept Defence Secretary ever, Bob
Ainsworth. <BR>So Defence Secretary, we take it that it is very unlikely that
the military will withdraw for years from the 'ground' taken. Simply because
every time ground has been won and we have withdrawn the Taliban have just moved
back in. <BR>Until the war against the Taliban is organised from the front line
and not by military with little or no experience in warfare who are sitting
behind desks in MOD London there will be no soloution. More importantly is keep
the politicians out of any organising relvant to the military operations.</DIV>
<DIV class="user-info bold">- Pip Waller, North Yorkshire, 14/2/2010 10:09</DIV>
<DIV class="js-report-abuse report-abuse link-gr5ox">---<A
href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1250904/reportAbuseInComment.html?articleId=1250904&commentId=22746780"><FONT
color=#003580></FONT></A></DIV>
<DIV class="rating " rel="22746780">As they were given a weeks notice of the
impending military push, it is not a a surprise that they have legged it or gone
to ground.The number of local " peace-loving farmers, just trying to get on with
their lives " will have been hugely swelled by fit,healthy men of fighting age
in the past week. <BR>Might be an idea to keep an eye on the increase of chaps
returning to Britain after spending an indefinate amount of time " studying
religion " out in Pakistan/Afghanistan as well. <BR>Not to mention the sudden
increase of asylum seekers from Afghanistan who also happen to be male and of
fighting age and who apparently want nothing more than to live in the tolerant
and multi-cultural UK.</DIV>
<DIV class="user-info bold">- Andy, Guildford, 14/2/2010 10:07</DIV>
<DIV class="js-report-abuse report-abuse link-gr5ox">---<A
href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1250904/reportAbuseInComment.html?articleId=1250904&commentId=22746815"><FONT
color=#003580></FONT></A></DIV>
<DIV class="rating " rel="22746815">Wasn't the Taliban defeated in 2001? Surely
this should have been a pincer movement with air borne troops sealing off their
escape route in the South (without giving warning - the effect of surprise?).
British troops must wonder what they are sacrificing so much for, no one in the
British public has any idea.</DIV>
<DIV class="user-info bold">- Ant, Newcastle, 14/2/2010 10:01</DIV>
<DIV class="js-report-abuse report-abuse link-gr5ox">---<A
href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1250904/reportAbuseInComment.html?articleId=1250904&commentId=22746755"><FONT
color=#003580></FONT></A></DIV>
<DIV class="rating " rel="22746755">Am I the only one who thinks this whole
operatiion a futile exercise to regain the public faith in this stupid war??
They gave the Taliban enough time to run and hide and take their weapons with
them. We all march in triumphant and then the Taliban return when everything
goes back to normal and it all goes on EXACTLY as before. We say we are leaving
behind Afghan protecting their own.............are we that stupid we believe
them???</DIV>
<DIV class="user-info bold">- topsy, tyneside, 14/2/2010 9:57</DIV>
<DIV class="js-report-abuse report-abuse link-gr5ox">---<A
href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1250904/reportAbuseInComment.html?articleId=1250904&commentId=22746691"><FONT
color=#003580></FONT></A></DIV>
<DIV class="rating " rel="22746691">What a complete waste of time and money.
Money that is from the British tax payers. <BR>This was a PR exercise and
nothing less. <BR>In a couple of weeks, the Taliban will return soon after their
women and children return and back to square one. <BR>Thank you Gordon for
another PR exercise at the expense of our soldiers.</DIV>
<DIV class="user-info bold">- Bal singh, kent. England, 14/2/2010 9:57</DIV>
<DIV class="js-report-abuse report-abuse link-gr5ox">---<A
href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1250904/reportAbuseInComment.html?articleId=1250904&commentId=22746697"><FONT
color=#003580></FONT></A></DIV>
<DIV class="rating " rel="22746697">Those who ask why our troops are in
Afghanistan might consider the following true story. A journalist friend of mine
was there after the the Taliban, with US help, kicked out the Soviets. He asked
several of their leaders: "What will you do now?" Their response was unanimous:
"We will kill Americans." <BR>"But why when they have helped you get rid of the
Russians?" my friend responded. They replied as if it was the most obvious thing
in the world, "Because you are infidels." The aim of people like the Taliban is
to establish a world-wide Islamic Caliphate, by force if necessary. That's why
they provided a base for Al Qaeda to plan 9/11 and other terrorist acts. If they
regain power they will do so again. However difficult it might be it is better
to fight them on their territory than ours and our thanks should go to all the
forces out there who are risking their lives in doing so.</DIV>
<DIV class="user-info bold">- colin, cumbria, 14/2/2010 9:52</DIV>
<DIV class="js-report-abuse report-abuse link-gr5ox">---<A
href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1250904/reportAbuseInComment.html?articleId=1250904&commentId=22746643"><FONT
color=#003580></FONT></A></DIV>
<DIV class="rating " rel="22746643">What also has to be understood is that prior
to the formal beginning of this offensive Special Forces operated in this area
and over 50 people were targeted and killed. No trial, no capture, no detention,
just killed. <BR><BR>As for trusting the Afghan army have people such short
memories they cannot remember how many soldiers were killed when attacked by one
of their 'allies' and what did happen to him. How many CIA agents were recently
killed by a suicide bomber, doing torture didn't help to identify the ticking
bomb there did it.</DIV>
<DIV class="user-info bold">- T A Griffin, Exeter, 14/2/2010 9:50</DIV>
<DIV class="js-report-abuse report-abuse link-gr5ox">---<A
href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1250904/reportAbuseInComment.html?articleId=1250904&commentId=22746648"><FONT
color=#003580></FONT></A></DIV>
<DIV class="rating negative" rel="22746648">The Taliban legged it because they
prefer to attack defenceless boys schools in Pakistan rather than face armed
soldiers.Why do they do this when their aim is to become martyrs.</DIV>
<DIV class="user-info bold">- mick, preston england, 14/2/2010 9:45</DIV>
<DIV class="js-report-abuse report-abuse link-gr5ox">---<A
href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1250904/reportAbuseInComment.html?articleId=1250904&commentId=22746605"><FONT
color=#003580></FONT></A></DIV>
<DIV class="rating positive" rel="22746605">It is not about kill ratios. it is
about gaining and holding ground, you can kill as many as you like and another
wave of new and even more fanatical converts will meet you on the battlefield on
another day. The IEDs and mines would have been in place regardless of them
moving out. Better that the Taliban have move backed, IEDs and mines are not
just to cause immediate casualties, the Taliban would have been waiting in fire
teams, you hit a mine/IED the next thing you expect is to come under fire, you
are halted, you have to get to the wounded, whilst trying to clear away through,
this then becomes for your enemy a 'killing zone' and he has you in it, he will
use this to open heavy fire whilst you are halted, he will have planned his
escape routes and hit and run.</DIV>
<DIV class="user-info bold">- Wills, Soton, 14/2/2010 9:34</DIV>
<DIV class="js-report-abuse report-abuse link-gr5ox">---<A
href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1250904/reportAbuseInComment.html?articleId=1250904&commentId=22746446"><FONT
color=#003580></FONT></A></DIV>
<DIV class="rating positive" rel="22746446">The hard bit is what comes next in
reassuring the local community. This is all about winning the allegiance of the
population. That allegiance is not won in a day. It must be won over time.'
<BR>Does this mean the local community don't actually want the troops there? If
so, they should be sent home!</DIV>
<DIV class="user-info bold">- BB, Alicante, 14/2/2010 9:27</DIV>
<DIV class="js-report-abuse report-abuse link-gr5ox">---<A
href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1250904/reportAbuseInComment.html?articleId=1250904&commentId=22746375"><FONT
color=#003580></FONT></A></DIV>
<DIV class="rating " rel="22746375">Afghanistan will return to it's former
lawless self within one year of coalition forces leaving, everyone with one iota
of sense realises this, it is just one big terrible mistake made by incompetent
politicians and their military advisors, at the expense of our brave young men
and women. <BR>I fee ashamed of this country.</DIV>
<DIV class="user-info bold">- John Norton, Norfolk, 14/2/2010 9:26</DIV>
<DIV class="js-report-abuse report-abuse link-gr5ox">---<A
href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1250904/reportAbuseInComment.html?articleId=1250904&commentId=22746315"><FONT
color=#003580></FONT></A></DIV>
<DIV class="rating " rel="22746315">What utter nonsense this all is, you
announce your attack giving times and dates then go oh look they have gone. What
a surprise.Or maybe not. <BR>This becoming a picture post card war, in fact its
not a War at all. This is a propaganda engagement involving the Worlds armies
against baggy trousered tribesmen who live in another age. Get OUT!</DIV>
<DIV class="user-info bold">- John, Liverpool, 14/2/2010 9:25</DIV>
<DIV class="js-report-abuse report-abuse link-gr5ox">---<A
href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1250904/reportAbuseInComment.html?articleId=1250904&commentId=22746387"><FONT
color=#003580></FONT></A></DIV>
<DIV class="rating " rel="22746387">Since we sent them postcards before
attacking it's hardly surprising. Did we expect them to greet us with tea and
biscuits before surrendering?</DIV>
<DIV class="user-info bold">- Peter, Chester, UK, 14/2/2010 9:24</DIV>
<DIV class="js-report-abuse report-abuse link-gr5ox">---<A
href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1250904/reportAbuseInComment.html?articleId=1250904&commentId=22746312"><FONT
color=#003580></FONT></A></DIV>
<DIV class="rating " rel="22746312">I am a bit confused about the success of
this military action. Don't get me wrong. I want it to be a success! <BR>Our
soldiers have moved into the area and have to deal with bombs but the enemy have
moved out. This is being claimed as a victory. <BR>Where have the insurgents
gone? Are they going to attack a different area? Are they simply waiting for the
military action to finish? <BR>We make a big mistake if we simply assume that
these people are stupid! They have had weeks to work out a strategy for this
military action. <BR>In the past they have simply buried their weapons, become
part of the community, and waited for the soldiers to go. <BR>I don't like to
see the way that the generals and the government are claiming at this stage that
it is a great victory for us! It gives the impression that they don't treat the
Taliban as a serious opponent!</DIV>
<DIV class="user-info bold">- michael, brentwood, essex, 14/2/2010 9:22</DIV>
<DIV class="js-report-abuse report-abuse link-gr5ox">---<A
href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1250904/reportAbuseInComment.html?articleId=1250904&commentId=22746397"><FONT
color=#003580></FONT></A></DIV>
<DIV class="rating " rel="22746397">What a waste of life, time and money. For
the past 100 years politicians have been telling us lies about Afghansitan, lets
have the truth, the first story was looking for Osama bin Larden since then the
story has changed five or six times. Every one knows the real truth Money!! War
is always good for business, think of all the factories making Guns, Tanks,
Planes, Ammunition Clothing ect. It goes on and on. No wars to fight means more
unemployment.</DIV>
<DIV class="user-info bold">- Alan Foreman, Wimbledon, London, 14/2/2010
9:14</DIV>
<DIV class="js-report-abuse report-abuse link-gr5ox">---<A
href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1250904/reportAbuseInComment.html?articleId=1250904&commentId=22746287"><FONT
color=#003580></FONT></A></DIV>
<DIV class="rating " rel="22746287">theres a surprise, the taliban have 'fled
the battlefield' Did the commanders really think they would go toe to toe with
the US and UK forces. They have just melted back in with the local poulation and
will reappear when the troops have gone. <BR>Pointless, pointless, pointless,
war</DIV>
<DIV class="user-info bold">- christopher Tracy, bath, 14/2/2010 8:58</DIV>
<DIV class="js-report-abuse report-abuse link-gr5ox">---<A
href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1250904/reportAbuseInComment.html?articleId=1250904&commentId=22746166"><FONT
color=#003580></FONT></A></DIV>
<DIV class="rating positive" rel="22746166">Brown has no imagination. When he
says that we have lost one of our most courageous soldiers, what does that say
about all the other soldiers involved. Same as when Sarah says that he is her
hero, same as when he weeps during a tv interview. When will others understand
that many of these soldiers are just doing a job. As for keeping terror off the
streets of our country, please, get real, the Afghan people did not bring terror
to our streets, neither here no New York, look at the Saudi arabians for the
problem, oops sorry we need them for our oil, and miltary dealings.</DIV>
<DIV class="user-info bold">- T A Griffin, Exeter, 14/2/2010 8:48</DIV>
<DIV class="js-report-abuse report-abuse link-gr5ox">---<A
href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1250904/reportAbuseInComment.html?articleId=1250904&commentId=22746102"><FONT
color=#003580></FONT></A></DIV>
<DIV class="rating positive" rel="22746102">Little or no resistance, well what
did they expect after announcing it on TV for the week before</DIV>
<DIV class="user-info bold">- John Cummings, Hensall, UK, 14/2/2010 8:41</DIV>
<DIV class="js-report-abuse report-abuse link-gr5ox">---<A
href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1250904/reportAbuseInComment.html?articleId=1250904&commentId=22746050"><FONT
color=#003580></FONT></A></DIV>
<DIV class="rating positive" rel="22746050">Do'h. <BR>Anyone surprised the Tally
Ho Band all legged it, with all their ordinance, when they were given a weeks
notice, that a huge mob of Brit and USA military lads, were coming ? <BR>The few
who stayed were slaughtered, or captured. <BR>I hope if the so called leaders of
these UK / USA units, decide to attack the Tally Ho Band again, they keep their
traps firmly shut until afterwards ! <BR>Dolts. <BR>The Tally Ho's are not
stupid, and they just keep killing a few of our lot, with their IEDs. No risk to
themselves then. Who expected them to go toe to toe in this latest fiasco
?</DIV>
<DIV class="user-info bold">- Id Ban'em'all, Frozen Britain in the middle of a
sweltering global warming fiasco., 14/2/2010 8:39</DIV>
<DIV class="js-report-abuse report-abuse link-gr5ox">---<A
href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1250904/reportAbuseInComment.html?articleId=1250904&commentId=22746026"><FONT
color=#003580></FONT></A></DIV>
<DIV class="rating positive" rel="22746026">My heart goes out to the family and
friends of the dead soldier killed in this operation.I cannot understand Browns
words when he says this soldier gave the ultimate sacrifice for his country. I
cannot believe that we are fighting war out there for our country, in fact I
believe that our country would be much safer if we stopped meddling in the way
other countries are run.I think it's high time our troops were brought home from
Afghanistan, there are plenty ways they can serve THEIR country here.</DIV>
<DIV class="user-info bold">- sandra page, chesterfield england, 14/2/2010
8:09</DIV>
<DIV class="js-report-abuse report-abuse link-gr5ox">---<A
href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1250904/reportAbuseInComment.html?articleId=1250904&commentId=22745807"><FONT
color=#003580></FONT></A></DIV>
<DIV class="rating positive" rel="22745807">Did anyone expect the Taliban to be
there when it's been advertised for weeks that an attack was coming? <BR>Why
weree the D day landings kept secret from the Germans? <BR>Dohhhh</DIV>
<DIV class="user-info bold">- Klampet, Tunbridge Wells, 14/2/2010 8:02</DIV>
<DIV class="js-report-abuse report-abuse link-gr5ox">---<A
href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1250904/reportAbuseInComment.html?articleId=1250904&commentId=22745819"><FONT
color=#003580></FONT></A></DIV>
<DIV class="rating positive" rel="22745819">Pleased for our soilders, but how
strange things have suddeny turned, just before the election.</DIV>
<DIV class="user-info bold">- Mark, Dartford UK, 14/2/2010 7:58</DIV>
<DIV class="js-report-abuse report-abuse link-gr5ox">---<A
href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1250904/reportAbuseInComment.html?articleId=1250904&commentId=22745776"><FONT
color=#003580></FONT></A></DIV>
<DIV class="rating positive" rel="22745776">Suprise,suprise!........Nobody
expected them to stand and fight did they?</DIV>
<DIV class="user-info bold">- john, shoreham-by-sea, 14/2/2010 7:34</DIV>
<DIV class="js-report-abuse report-abuse link-gr5ox">--<A
href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1250904/reportAbuseInComment.html?articleId=1250904&commentId=22745650"><FONT
color=#003580></FONT></A></DIV>
<DIV class="rating positive" rel="22745650">of course the Taliban have fled that
because you told them you were coming and they knew you have better weapons, but
it doesn't mean they have gone away <BR>Get real!</DIV>
<DIV class="user-info bold">- toto kubwa, Cyprus, 14/2/2010 7:23</DIV>
<DIV class="js-report-abuse report-abuse link-gr5ox">---<A
href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1250904/reportAbuseInComment.html?articleId=1250904&commentId=22745645"><FONT
color=#003580></FONT></A></DIV>
<DIV class="rating positive" rel="22745645">The Taliban are guerrillas. You
cannot beat people who snipe at you, who leave roadside bombs and when you go
after them, fade into the local population. This is a war we cannot win.</DIV>
<DIV class="user-info bold">- Jim Diamond, Cambridge UK, 14/2/2010 7:22</DIV>
<DIV class="js-report-abuse report-abuse link-gr5ox">----<A
href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1250904/reportAbuseInComment.html?articleId=1250904&commentId=22745637"><FONT
color=#003580></FONT></A></DIV>
<DIV class="rating positive" rel="22745637">This offensice is not a triumph -
it's a pre-election gimmick, wasting Vritish lives to get our government a few
votes. The Taliban were warned about the attack and will have just popped over
to Pakistan for some rest and relaxation while our soldiers get blown up by the
IEDs left for them. As soo as our troops leave, the Taliban will be back. In the
meantime Brown will have a military 'victory' to boast about for the next
election. We've wasted 8 years achieveing nothing - time to bring our troops
home.</DIV>
<DIV class="user-info bold">- david craig, Bournemouth, UK, 14/2/2010 7:15</DIV>
<DIV class="js-report-abuse report-abuse link-gr5ox">---<A
href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1250904/reportAbuseInComment.html?articleId=1250904&commentId=22745629"><FONT
color=#003580></FONT></A></DIV>
<DIV class="rating positive" rel="22745629">I thought that all the baddies would
run away from our boys having been warned they were on their way.So much for all
you armchair doom and gloomers I say!Listen and learn I think.</DIV>
<DIV class="user-info bold">- jenny jones, essex, 14/2/2010 7:04</DIV>
<DIV class="js-report-abuse report-abuse link-gr5ox">---<A
href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1250904/reportAbuseInComment.html?articleId=1250904&commentId=22745578"><FONT
color=#003580></FONT></A></DIV>
<DIV class="rating negative" rel="22745578">What a total useless campaign. The
Taliban where told in advance, they fled to come back another day to do battle,
but with the most important element "surprize"! <BR>The Allied Army management
are not fit to organize a Sunday School picnic, they are a shambles and should
be fired!!</DIV>
<DIV class="user-info bold">- Dave, Durban South Africa, 14/2/2010 6:49</DIV>
<DIV class="js-report-abuse report-abuse link-gr5ox"><A
href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1250904/reportAbuseInComment.html?articleId=1250904&commentId=22745561"><FONT
color=#003580></FONT></A> </DIV>
<DIV class="rating positive" rel="22745561">To win anything you dont tell them
you are coming! You surround them , fight through and eradicate them as they are
engaged. Its either arms up or hands up, that way they will not filter back like
cockroachs in the dark. Mark my words this is not a "victory" just a
displacement.</DIV>
<DIV class="user-info bold">- anon, Bedford, 14/2/2010 6:48</DIV>
<DIV class="js-report-abuse report-abuse link-gr5ox">---<A
href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1250904/reportAbuseInComment.html?articleId=1250904&commentId=22745558"><FONT
color=#003580></FONT></A></DIV>
<DIV class="rating positive" rel="22745558">YOU CAN NOT ELIMINATE RATS THEY JUST
KEEP COMING BACK.</DIV>
<DIV class="user-info bold">- MR TERENCE SNOW, ENGLAND., 14/2/2010 6:41</DIV>
<DIV class="js-report-abuse report-abuse link-gr5ox">---<A
href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1250904/reportAbuseInComment.html?articleId=1250904&commentId=22745543"><FONT
color=#003580></FONT></A></DIV>
<DIV class="rating positive" rel="22745543">We gave the Taliban almost two weeks
notice of our intentions and troop strength etc. <BR>Now we are saying we are
enjoying a victory by clearing them out. <BR>I don't think the majority of them
waited to be killed. Most of them disappeared into the general population and
will rise again when the time is ripe. <BR>My concerns are for the troops who
are engaged in this fruitless campaign and the ever rising death toll. They are
being used for an unwinable political purpose. <BR>Lets get back to the days
when Kings and Lords (and include politicians as self proclaimed knowalls) rode
into battle with their troops. I doubt there would be many wars nor many fat
backsides sitting in the House of Lords.</DIV>
<DIV class="user-info bold">- ex marine, Centurion. S. Africa., 14/2/2010
6:16</DIV>
<DIV class="js-report-abuse report-abuse link-gr5ox">---<A
href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1250904/reportAbuseInComment.html?articleId=1250904&commentId=22745454"><FONT
color=#003580></FONT></A></DIV>
<DIV class="rating positive" rel="22745454">Don't suppose prince Harry will be
there fighting alongside our lads, nah thought as much.</DIV>
<DIV class="user-info bold">- Special curry with chips please., Planet earth I
think?, 14/2/2010 6:14</DIV>
<DIV class="js-report-abuse report-abuse link-gr5ox">---<A
href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1250904/reportAbuseInComment.html?articleId=1250904&commentId=22745453"><FONT
color=#003580></FONT></A></DIV>
<DIV class="rating negative" rel="22745453">With all the advance warnings it
would be no surprise if most of the Taliban are now on holiday in Brighton,
waiting to return when the armies have gone from their homeland.</DIV>
<DIV class="user-info bold">- A tax-payer, England as was, not EU, 14/2/2010
6:14</DIV>
<DIV class="js-report-abuse report-abuse link-gr5ox">---<A
href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1250904/reportAbuseInComment.html?articleId=1250904&commentId=22745447"><FONT
color=#003580></FONT></A></DIV>
<DIV class="rating positive" rel="22745447">Is it just me who is wondering why
the hell our young soldiers are not only STILL in Afghanistan, but also why we
are still pushing them forward into yet another 'full blown' military assault?
<BR>Please somebody remind me why Britain has felt it necessary not only to
offer up the lives of so many young soldiers( kids really), into 'fighting' this
'so called' war, but also why we have also seemingly deemed it 'okay' to have
poured £BILLIONS into the whole sorry mess for the past eight years, whilst also
declaring a finacicial crisis in our country. I mean, if we need to 'borrow' in
order to keep aloft, then how on earth are we able to 'fork out' so much money
to keep troops in Afghanistan? <BR>Why are we even in that country?
<BR>Honestly, the moment an Afghan army might roll their tanks down my road, I
shall be out there protecting my country and way of life; but given that no such
situation has ever arisen......WHY are we sacrifcing young. British lives to
this madness?</DIV>
<DIV class="user-info bold">- kate, Manchester, 14/2/2010 6:02</DIV>
<DIV class="js-report-abuse report-abuse link-gr5ox">---<A
href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1250904/reportAbuseInComment.html?articleId=1250904&commentId=22745425"><FONT
color=#003580></FONT></A></DIV>
<DIV class="rating positive" rel="22745425">Well, we warned them the cavalry was
coming (as British gentlemen always do) <BR>So they ran and hid and set
booby-traps........... <BR>Seems to me like the Taliban are much better at
war-games than us!</DIV>
<DIV class="user-info bold">- steve, tenerife, 14/2/2010 5:18</DIV>
<DIV class="js-report-abuse report-abuse link-gr5ox">---<A
href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1250904/reportAbuseInComment.html?articleId=1250904&commentId=22745324"><FONT
color=#003580></FONT></A></DIV>
<DIV class="rating positive" rel="22745324">So...... Let me see if I have the
full picture. <BR>Thousands of battle redied troops tell the world what they are
going to do and when, and they are surprised because even a stupid Guerrilla
decide not to turn up for the tea and biscuits? <BR>It this is what is called
'Modern Warfare'? The type that no one fights in? <BR>Yesterday we had hours of
BBC propaganda to try relentlessly to drum up some patriotic support for
this......outing', and now today, i'm sure, we will have to suffer the same
again for 'The Victory Celebrations'. <BR>Still...... Its nice that they didn't
have to fight, isn't it? <BR>Am I the only one in this country who thinks they
are being taken for a mug? <BR>Bring these lads home until we decide what we are
fighting for, this sham has gone on far too long. <BR>It's becoming a boring
commedy show now.</DIV>
<DIV class="user-info bold">- Charlie, Swansea, 14/2/2010 3:46</DIV>
<DIV class="js-report-abuse report-abuse link-gr5ox">---<A
href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1250904/reportAbuseInComment.html?articleId=1250904&commentId=22745183"><FONT
color=#003580></FONT></A></DIV>
<DIV class="rating positive" rel="22745183">15000 troups and all that air power
and cost and they get 20 dead Taliban and world-wide publicity. Is this a joke
or what?</DIV>
<DIV class="user-info bold">- Jo Mo, Bangkok, 14/2/2010 3:38</DIV>
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<DIV class="rating positive" rel="22745178">I feel for the troops sent to this
war, It is a complete waste of time, Because when the allies leave it will
quickly sink back into it's old corrupt ways, and the Taliban will take over
again, It is just a big waste of lives, You can't save something that is
basically evil and corrupt, it is still there under the surface, Just look at
the last election?</DIV>
<DIV class="user-info bold">- Anthony Rowley, Mandurah ,Western Australia,
14/2/2010 3:13</DIV>
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