Thanks Norway ! I have to say, although it's a long time ago; that I worked with the Americans a lot over 4 years while in a role with the AMF(L) during the mid 80's - and they never impressed me ! Some of their basic soldiering skills seemed to be lacking along with with an attitude problem - though it was by no means all of them. And before anyone says it I am a long way from being an anti-american, I actually have a lot of time for them as a nation ! The damage this one bloke has done is incalculable - the old "hearts and minds" approach may be old fashioned but you surely have to win the locals over. Personally I was against going into Afghanistan but support our forces in whatever they're asked to do - but you have to wonder if it's been worth trying to bring democracy to a place with no concept of it !
An Afghan government delegation has been attacked as it visited the site where a US soldier is accused of killing 16 civilians. The group, which included two of Afghan President Hamid Karzai's brothers and senior security officials, came under fire from several sides as it arrived in one of the villages where the alleged massacre took place. One Afghan soldier was killed and a police officer injured, according to officials. Interior ministry spokeman Sediq Sediqqi said: "One or more enemy were hiding there. When the delegation arrived they fired... A search operation is under way." Witnesses said the delegation was forced to leave after the fighting broke out while they were at a meeting at a village mosque. The Taliban has threatened retaliation for the 16 deaths, which included nine children and three women, saying it would behead US soldiers. "The Islamic Emirate once again warns the American animals that the mujahideen will avenge them, and with the help of Allah will kill and behead your sadistic murderous soldiers," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in an emailed statement. .............................................................................................
A surprising number of homeless are ex-veterans as well. SSAFA and a number of other forces charities do great work but the MOD and government generally need to do more.
This is another debate mate... These numbers are low...and it's sad that they happen at all. But many thankfully go onto a new walk in life, and many become successful, just taking in the people on this board, plus the people i know personally...
Soldiers killed, kids dying in a bus crash, people being murdered, jobless numbers going up and up, debt out of control, families struggling to get by, global warming, its a good world these days. Is it any wonder we all look forward to our 90 minute escape when the footy starts.
American soldier Robert Bales will be charged over the killings of 17 Afghan civilians, officials have said. The 38-year-old face 17 counts of murder following a shooting rampage in the Kanadahar province. Victims of the massacre reportedly included nine children and three women. A US official said Bales may also face other charges, including attempted murder, but was unable to say how many additional counts there would be. The killings have sparked large protests in Afghanistan He added that legal proceedings are likely to take place at the soldier's home base, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, close to Tacoma, Washington. Bales, a four-tour combat veteran, is being held in solitary confinement at a military detention centre in Leavenworth, Kansas. His lawyer, Seattle-based John Henry Browne was not immediately available for comment. Mr Browne has claimed there is very little evidence against his client and said Bales had "no memory" of the incident. The lawyer, who has defended several multiple murder suspects, including serial killer Ted Bundy, has indicated that stress may have played a role in his client's state of mind. He is expected to evoke post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, as a factor in the trial, a technique he employed in the defence of the thief known as the 'Barefoot Bandit'. The US Army said this week it was reviewing the way it diagnoses PTSD among troops.
All victims in this case to me, many lives lost and one life ruined along with his family who will be tainted by it. I have never been in the forces and never fired a weapon or been fired on but, I cant see either being a pleasant experience and this man seems to have had more than his fair share. Not an excuse but maybe a reason, no comfort to the families of the dead or indeed his family.
