can anyone explain simply .........why are we there ?????? :'(
Because we don't want the islamic militants to get control of Pakistan's nuclear weapons, but tackling the Pakistan issue is too difficult, so we're fighting in Afghanistan because the scenery is kind of similar and their dictator isn't that fussed.
In case you forgot..........................
the ORIGINAL EXCUSE WAS..................
1, Some planes flew into a couple of buildings in New York,...............................
2, The US govt demanded that the Taliban hand over Mr Bin Laden for trial r.e. alleged involvement in said incident...........................................
3, The Taliban said 'OK' !!! just show us some of the evidence for said extradition, and we WILL hand him over (same as I hope england would before extraditing anyone)............
4, the Yanks said, NO, we won't disclose any evidence, we just want him extradited to US (prob via somewhere that tortures on their behalf)................
5, Taliban said, no eveidence, no extradition,.......................
6, The U.S. A. went in (dragging us with them) and bombed and killed thousands of civilians...........
I think that about sums it up,
all other excuses about womens rights, etc are a smoke screen, since when did the UK care enough about womens rights in other countries? (saudi arabia for instance)
Quote from: wilko on January 13, 2010, 18:23:59
can anyone explain simply .........why are we there ?????? :'(
If you ask a stupid question, you are bound to get stupid answers.
Quote from: ACE on January 13, 2010, 18:55:29
Quote from: wilko on January 13, 2010, 18:23:59
can anyone explain simply .........why are we there ?????? :'(
If you ask a stupid question, you are bound to get stupid answers.
sorry ACE, who asked you a stupid question??
Why are we there ACE?
Because we really like to moan about the economic situation and how little money the country has? Can't think of any valid reason...
QuoteIf you ask a stupid question, you are bound to get stupid answers.
I'm sorry you thought it was a stupid question Ace, I just want some help in understanding how anyone(politicians mainly) can justify this war and the death of so many young men.
I don' t think I got stupid answers either..........cheers Tony ;)
The reasons we are in Afghanistan are varied and some are historical. The root of the problem is in the British occupation of the area in the 19th Century so I suppose we are still trying to clear up the mess we made then.
Quote from: wilko on January 13, 2010, 18:23:59
can anyone explain simply .........why are we there ?????? :'(
international politics
GB has been warring with the Afghanis since the early 19th century - originally because of our fear of Russian influence. Then when Afghanistan became a Soviet supported democratic republic the USA funded the opposition (e.g. like Bin Laden and the exiled warlords) which attacked the democracy. When USSR collapsed the tribes warred with each other and the Taliban won the day reversing the reforms that were in place. After 9/11 when the Taliban refused to hand over Bin Laden without evidence the USA decided it was war (and since we are the USA's lapdog where they go we follow).
Wilko,
Without going into much detail from what I have been told in the EU's/NATO's case it is all about a proposed gas pipeline running through Afghan/Pakistan and all the way in to India and more than likely ending up coming out of your oven :),
Just SO glad that my appointment as Air Attaché, Kabul, some 40 years ago, did not materialise. I wouldn't have had a clue as to what was going on there.
Except that you can never win there?
The oil pipeline from afghanistan is another issue, and probably the deeper reason for the invasion, but that's just conjecture.http://www.oilgasarticles.com/articles/196/1/Oil-Reserves-in-Afghanistan/Page1.html
The reasons I answered earlier are the 'official' reasons for the current war. ;)
http://whatreallyhappened.com/WRHARTICLES/oil.html (http://whatreallyhappened.com/WRHARTICLES/oil.html)
http://whatreallyhappened.com/WRHARTICLES/oil.html (http://whatreallyhappened.com/WRHARTICLES/oil.html)
Certainly looks as if 9/11 was the break they were looking for.
Quote from: wilko on January 13, 2010, 18:23:59
can anyone explain simply .........why are we there ?????? :'(
Wilko,
My previous reply apparently is incorrect, but the war in Afghanistan is a US/EU/NATO led operation which we are members of the other EU states are clearly not pulling their weight in the reluctance of not contributing more troops, some folk think that it is only the US and the UK out there in Afghanistan not true, and this thing about going back to the 1800's and some rag head up the Khyber pass with a muzzle loader having a pop shot at a British Squaddie is not the case, personally the sooner we get out the better,
Quote from: wilko on January 13, 2010, 18:23:59
can anyone explain simply .........why are we there ?????? :'(
Army training ground, now we don't have Northern ireland to train our troops in?
'takes cover'
QuoteArmy training ground
Hadnt thought of that.. sure it is a factor!
Quote from: grawrc on January 13, 2010, 20:10:20
http://whatreallyhappened.com/WRHARTICLES/oil.html (http://whatreallyhappened.com/WRHARTICLES/oil.html)
http://whatreallyhappened.com/WRHARTICLES/oil.html (http://whatreallyhappened.com/WRHARTICLES/oil.html)
Certainly looks as if 9/11 was the break they were looking for.
Indeed, and although it might ruffle a few feathers, I suggest that you all take a look at some of the documentaries/films produced about the event and why the official story simply does not add up.
Try '911 In Plane Site' for starters.
I'll ask my brother next time i get to speak to him if he's enjoying his training shall I >:(
There are hundreds of training sites and you dont generally have dead soliders coming home from them!!!
Why are we there? I think a much harder question is how are we going to get out?
There was a war going on there before 9/11 and one of the reasons then was that they were the world's largest supplier of illegal opium.
Historically the big powers have always tried to invade and control areas where there is mineral wealth to be had. Nothing changes. There must be either oil and gas there or some other substance because we certainly do not need opium.
Wars have also always been the cause of the fall of Empires too, and we all know which countries are bankrupt and pretending not to be. As I say. Nothing changes.
Quote from: PurpleHeather on January 14, 2010, 07:07:04
There was a war going on there before 9/11 and one of the reasons then was that they were the world's largest supplier of illegal opium.
And now they are growing more than ever, this from 2001:
http://opioids.com/afghanistan/index.html
And from 2006, after several years of occupation:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/12/01/AR2006120101654.html
Many people believe that the CIA control this and they are using it to help finance their illegal warmongering.
I for one don't care as to why we are there, all i known is we should get our own House in order before we stick our nose in other peoples and get law and order back on the streets in the UK.
Why are we in Afghanistan?
We are in Afghanistan because it became a source of terrorism.
The Taliban gave safe haven to Al Qaeda, which allowed terrorists to plan and carry out terrorist attacks around the world, including the atrocities of September 11. That is why the UN authorised a NATO-led military intervention.
But getting rid of the Taliban regime and Al Qaeda was only the first part of the job. The second is to make sure they cannot return. Right now, this means direct military support, protecting the Afghan people and defeating the insurgency.
In the longer term, it means an Afghan Government, including the Army and Police, capable to take on the insurgency and violent extremism themselves. When they are, our soldiers can come home.
At the same time as our troops provide security to Afghan people, we are building up and developing the Afghan Army and Police so they can provide their own security. We are supporting the Afghan Government's efforts to reach out to those who are willing to accept the democratic process and abandon violence and terrorism.
The Army is working relentlessly with the United Nations mandate to help the Afghan Government improve governance, both nationally and locally, to:
•tackle corruption and the drugs trade;
•build up the rule of law;
•promote economic development - investing in infrastructure, agricultural alternatives to growing poppy, jobs;
•improve access to education and healthcare.
UK forces remain committed to these tasks. We are not imposing a Western model, but are working alongside the international community to support the
Quote from: davyw1 on January 14, 2010, 13:13:18
•tackle corruption and the drugs trade;
•build up the rule of law;
•promote economic development - investing in infrastructure, agricultural alternatives to growing(weed in the UK.) poppy, jobs;
•improve access to education and healthcare.
It's a shame the powers at be don't do the same as the above in the UK.
Davy, are you Tony Blair?
Here you go: 911 In Plane Site
http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=2361717427531377078&ei=h4FPS7aHD9q8-AaU0JCtAg&q=911+in+plane+site&hl=en&client=firefox-a#
Loose Change - An American Coup
http://vidreel.com/video/NTc4Mjgw/
According to the latter, they found thermite residue (demolition charges) in the dust from the twin towers.
And both the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were approved because of this event.
PLEASE take a look at these, they could change your entire view of the world.