FabSwingers.com forum: Afghanistan was it worth it?

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Lots on the news, as we've handed Camp Bastion over to Afghan forces yesterday. I can't believe it's 13 years since UK forces went there to fight.

453 soldiers gave their lives, 1000s more with life changing injuries. Cost 19 billion.

In 2001, Tony Blair said more than 90% of the UK's heroin came from Afghanistan's opium poppies.

A US report last week suggested Afghan opium cultivation had increased significantly since 2001 and hit record levels last year, with 209,000 hectares of opium poppies grown.

We are told that 40% more children are being educated - which will include a lot of girls who weren't allowed an education at all. The healthcare is better and the infra structure . Their economy is far healthier.

Having just watched a mother who lost her 21 year old son I want to believe that his death was not in vain and our contribution will continue to make a difference out there.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Not at all too many British soldiers died for nothin

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Some times you need to think of what might have been had we not gone there rather than what we achieved. The Taliban still exist but the Al Quida breeding ground is far less fertile. In that respect it was probably worth while.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Some times you need to think of what might have been had we not gone there rather than what we achieved. The Taliban still exist but the Al Quida breeding ground is far less fertile. In that respect it was probably worth while. "

But now we have ISIS. I can't see how it will ever end unfortunately

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By *W69Couple
over a year ago

Bournemouth

But now we have ISIS. I can't see how it will ever end unfortunately "

One things for certain... with a lot more deaths

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By *isscheekychopsWoman
over a year ago

The land of grey peas and bacon

Nope

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I lost 2 friends over there so no it was not worth it at all.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

But now we have ISIS. I can't see how it will ever end unfortunately "

I do not think it will ever end. It may die down but it is an idea based on religion, not a group or country.

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By *isscheekychopsWoman
over a year ago

The land of grey peas and bacon

It's the full package the mental effect it had on military members, the effect it had on families who were serving and the innocent Afgan citizens over they. The cost of war is not just about money it's the whole package.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Having been their twice and seeing the improvement and way of life change I would say it was worth it yes.

I don't think you will find many people in the armed forces say that it wasn't worth it. Even my friends who have been seriously injured would of went back if they had the chance and would say it was definatly worth it.

The news portrays it as a mission failed whereas anyone who has actually been would know that it's been a success.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Lots on the news, as we've handed Camp Bastion over to Afghan forces yesterday. I can't believe it's 13 years since UK forces went there to fight.

453 soldiers gave their lives, 1000s more with life changing injuries. Cost 19 billion.

In 2001, Tony Blair said more than 90% of the UK's heroin came from Afghanistan's opium poppies.

A US report last week suggested Afghan opium cultivation had increased significantly since 2001 and hit record levels last year, with 209,000 hectares of opium poppies grown.

Having just watched a mother who lost her 21 year old son I want to believe that his death was not in vain and our contribution will continue to make a difference out there.

Billions could have been spent on our schools,the NHS and our infrastructure like the fucking potholes!!!

453 soldiers gave their lives, 1000s more with life changing injuries for what?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Having been their twice and seeing the improvement and way of life change I would say it was worth it yes.

The news portrays it as a mission failed whereas anyone who has actually been would know that it's been a success. "

its good to hear that from somebody who served. Thank god you arrived home safe x

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By *emmefataleWoman
over a year ago

dirtybigbadsgirlville

Yes it was worth it.

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By *ensualtouch15Man
over a year ago

ashby de la zouch

Absolutely was not worth it x

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

its good to hear that from somebody who served. Thank god you arrived home safe x"

Thank you. Last time I was their was 2011 so it's probably improved a lot more since then aswell.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

My friends boyfriend is there now, they had the BBC with them for some of the tour because it was the last one before bastian went offline. I'd never say it wasn't worth it cos too many people lost their lives there but look at Iraq now. The Taliban in afghan are just waiting for them all to leave.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I mean the british broadcasting company not the big black cocks!

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By *illwill69uMan
over a year ago

moston

I know that many will think me a horror, but it is always better to fight your wars on the other mans ground, so better fight the Taliban, Al Queda, IS or any other gang of murderous thugs in their country than having them fight us in our country!

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By *iewMan
Forum Mod
over a year ago

Angus & Findhorn

For me to say No, I feel I would be showing disrespect to the fallen and maimed.

They fought with honour to make it a better place for all.

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By *angbang junkieCouple
over a year ago

Ilkeston

"Having been their twice and seeing the improvement and way of life change I would say it was worth it yes.

The news portrays it as a mission failed whereas anyone who has actually been would know that it's been a success. "

45 CDO, definitely not worth it. Just political mind games.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

45 CDO, definitely not worth it. Just political mind games."

You are at 45 now or have been there with 45?

To me all the politics go out the window the soon as the first round comes in.

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By *angbang junkieCouple
over a year ago

Ilkeston

Was until recently. I tend to get on my high horse about all our involvement in that area, i completely disagree with it all.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

No. Still waiting for someone to mention the number of innocent afghans injured or killed or migrating due to the invasion.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"For me to say No, I feel I would be showing disrespect to the fallen and maimed.

They fought with honour to make it a better place for all.

When I say no, I am not disrespecting the dead and injured. The reason I say no is because the human cost was too high.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I was there for herrick 9 and 14. Yeah people have different opinions but I just can't justify saying it wasn't worth it when we lost so many lives out there.

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By *hrissie1961Woman
over a year ago

dumfries and galloway

Or we could just stand back and do nothing.....

We don't look after our military personnel properly tho. They do a job many do not have the stomach for. It wasn't all about shoot people, a whole lot more has been achieved.

At the end of the day, extremism will never be eradicated, but it can be thwarted.

We do our services an injustice if we say it wasn't worth it

Military mum here

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By *emmefataleWoman
over a year ago

dirtybigbadsgirlville

"Or we could just stand back and do nothing.....

We don't look after our military personnel properly tho. They do a job many do not have the stomach for. It wasn't all about shoot people, a whole lot more has been achieved.

At the end of the day, extremism will never be eradicated, but it can be thwarted.

We do our services an injustice if we say it wasn't worth it

Military mum here "
Well said

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By *isscheekychopsWoman
over a year ago

The land of grey peas and bacon

"Or we could just stand back and do nothing.....

We don't look after our military personnel properly tho. They do a job many do not have the stomach for. It wasn't all about shoot people, a whole lot more has been achieved.

At the end of the day, extremism will never be eradicated, but it can be thwarted.

We do our services an injustice if we say it wasn't worth it

Military mum here "

What a brilliant post I can understand your point of _iew

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Or we could just stand back and do nothing.....

We don't look after our military personnel properly tho. They do a job many do not have the stomach for. It wasn't all about shoot people, a whole lot more has been achieved.

At the end of the day, extremism will never be eradicated, but it can be thwarted.

We do our services an injustice if we say it wasn't worth it

Military mum here "

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Make no mistake lives have been saved from the Al'Qaeda hotbed that it was. To what extent I/we'll never know, but Britain is certainly more secure because of it. ISIS is a completely different kettle of fish.

But to put it simply:

We did what we were sent to do.

The rest is up to them.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Make no mistake lives have been saved from the Al'Qaeda hotbed that it was. To what extent I/we'll never know, but Britain is certainly more secure because of it. ISIS is a completely different kettle of fish.

But to put it simply:

We did what we were sent to do.

The rest is up to them.

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By *hickinthewarmMan
over a year ago

Fife

Having been there multiple times, and losing many friends and colleagues, I can still say it was worth it. We have made an immense difference to the lives of the average Afghan, I've been told so man a time by them. If that's not worth it then what is......

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By *ummersun99Woman
over a year ago

North Yorkshire by the Sea

"Or we could just stand back and do nothing.....

We don't look after our military personnel properly tho. They do a job many do not have the stomach for. It wasn't all about shoot people, a whole lot more has been achieved.

At the end of the day, extremism will never be eradicated, but it can be thwarted.

We do our services an injustice if we say it wasn't worth it

Military mum here "

well said

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By *iewMan
Forum Mod
over a year ago

Angus & Findhorn

try and catch the BBC News, a truly moving piece of film about a father who lost his son, he went out to Afganistan with the news crew.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Afghanistan thinks in centuries, not decades.

We reaped what we sowed, kicked the Soviets arses with the mujahadeen, then they turned on us.

The sand people - they are easily startled, but they will be back soon and in greater numbers...

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

The opium production's increased?

Well there's a surprise.

The CIA are known to trade in drugs.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

No it wasn't, Alexander Blackman, a royal marine sergeant was jailed for life for killing an afghan insurgent when he shouldn't have been and too many british soldiers were killed and injured.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"The opium production's increased?

Well there's a surprise.

The CIA are known to trade in drugs."

Who would you trust to save your naked ass - Uncle Sam or the Taliban? Search your feelings...

I find your lack of faith disturbing...

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"The opium production's increased?

Well there's a surprise.

The CIA are known to trade in drugs.

Who would you trust to save your naked ass - Uncle Sam or the Taliban? Search your feelings...

I find your lack of faith disturbing..."

Neither. They weren't "fighting for our freedom" like they love to spout.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

As I have served in the two gulf wars, bosnia.Kosovo I have a _iews wich I can not full say but if the military were allowed to fight with out one hand tied behind your back things may of ended sooner.squadies go to war after politicians fail in there actions and so should leave the generals to do there job! End of!

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"try and catch the BBC News, a truly moving piece of film about a father who lost his son, he went out to Afganistan with the news crew.

I watched that. He was so moved by seeing all of the girls in school and his reaction, moved me, when he saw his son's name on the war memorial in Kabul.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"The opium production's increased?

Well there's a surprise.

The CIA are known to trade in drugs.

Who would you trust to save your naked ass - Uncle Sam or the Taliban? Search your feelings...

I find your lack of faith disturbing...

Neither. They weren't "fighting for our freedom" like they love to spout."

You have learned much, young one.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"The opium production's increased?

Well there's a surprise.

The CIA are known to trade in drugs.

Who would you trust to save your naked ass - Uncle Sam or the Taliban? Search your feelings...

I find your lack of faith disturbing...

Neither. They weren't "fighting for our freedom" like they love to spout.

You have learned much, young one."

Patronizing much?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"The opium production's increased?

Well there's a surprise.

The CIA are known to trade in drugs.

Who would you trust to save your naked ass - Uncle Sam or the Taliban? Search your feelings...

I find your lack of faith disturbing...

Neither. They weren't "fighting for our freedom" like they love to spout.

You have learned much, young one.

Patronizing much?"

Strike me down with all your hatred and your journey to The Darkside will be complete...

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

the whole reason we are interested in the middle east is for oil and resources...to attain that, qwe stabilize/industrialize/commercialize.

In 50-1`00 years, that area(and surrounding) is going to be our home...based on future global warming/the west becoming inhospitable to massive populations....just my opinion though...

so was invading another country worth it?...depemnds...the victor never seems to give an honest agenda do they?

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By *mmabluTV/TS
over a year ago

upton wirral

Time will give us the answer,lets hope so

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By *ara JTV/TS
over a year ago

Bristol East

Imran Khan met Trump at the White House yesterday. Trump told Khan he could win the war in 10 days "by wiping Afghanistan from the face of the Earth".

The Government of Afghanistan has asked for clarification.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Nothing in life is worth a needless and pointless death.

As a veteran I believe I've earned the Right to say my piece without offending family members, loved ones and those who survived bloody and battered.

Britain, England in particular has a disgusting long and short term record in meddling with other countries politics. Forcing its will over other Nations, continually pushing its political and military might around in order to keep near the top of the power pyramid.

Nothing Great about that.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Imran Khan met Trump at the White House yesterday. Trump told Khan he could win the war in 10 days "by wiping Afghanistan from the face of the Earth".

The Government of Afghanistan has asked for clarification."
hes all talk said same about north korea at one point too like most yanks talks a great game

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By *ed-monkeyCouple
over a year ago

Hailsham

Well they came last in the cricket world cup ... but they certainly weren't an embarrassment... they played good cricket and certainly have a world class spinner

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By *r FirecrackerMan
over a year ago

London

"I know that many will think me a horror, but it is always better to fight your wars on the other mans ground, so better fight the Taliban, Al Queda, IS or any other gang of murderous thugs in their country than having them fight us in our country!"

Wise words, also let’s not be naive here. If the general public think we were there to reduce heroin entering the UK and helping to defeat the Taliban then they have been lead down the garden path.

Afghanistan shares borders with, Iran, Pakistan and China. It also shares borders with the stans that were formerly ruled by Russia. It’s location alone makes it perfect for operations that you do not see in the news. Funny enough UBL was killed in Pakistan.

This conflict was justified for long term operations in other parts of the world, the US,UK and others will now always have some form of foot print in Afghanistan which they will use for whatever means they see fit.

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By *evil_u_knowMan
over a year ago

city

"But now we have ISIS. I can't see how it will ever end unfortunately "

Isis only happened because of obama, Iraq had a string man in power. He would kill groups like Isis when they were emerging, and we would paint him as a butcher of innocent towns, and sure innocent people got caught up, but not as many as innocents killed by America and UK.

Years ago we were going to go to war with syria for the same thing, before our media admitted Syria was fighting the largest anti western terrorist group on the planet.

Syria has women educated, women in power, Christians free to celebrate, and a leader voted in by the people who will fight extreme groups..

Why does the place need change? Why is the UK flirting with war with syria an Iran when they both do better than Iraq an Afghanistan.

Those British people died for nothing but oil.

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By *ultry SuccubusTV/TS
over a year ago

London

"But now we have ISIS. I can't see how it will ever end unfortunately

Years ago we were going to go to war with syria for the same thing, before our media admitted Syria was fighting the largest anti western terrorist group on the planet.

Syria has women educated, women in power, Christians free to celebrate, and a leader voted in by the people who will fight extreme groups..

Why does the place need change? Why is the UK flirting with war with syria an Iran when they both do better than Iraq an Afghanistan.

Those British people died for nothing but oil."

Totally agree.

I think the meddling is for personal gains and the call for peace, democracy and whatever else are just excuses.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"But now we have ISIS. I can't see how it will ever end unfortunately

Years ago we were going to go to war with syria for the same thing, before our media admitted Syria was fighting the largest anti western terrorist group on the planet.

Syria has women educated, women in power, Christians free to celebrate, and a leader voted in by the people who will fight extreme groups..

Why does the place need change? Why is the UK flirting with war with syria an Iran when they both do better than Iraq an Afghanistan.

Those British people died for nothing but oil."

Bush.. not Obama. Western Interference was in operation long before WW1 and ever since.

There would not have been an ISIS had we not invaded Iraq. We could have caught Osama Bin Laden and Al Qaeda without invading Afghanistan with a permanent military force.

History would have told us not to bother. Persians, Mongols, Olde Brittania and the Russians could have taught us that the Afghan Tribal people are not people who bend the knee easy. That Intel led Special Forces operations were the way forward.

Iraq had zero connection to 9/11 or terrorism. Yet that war lasted as long and killed an equally horrific number of people. Fought simultaneously.

All it's done is fire up hatred on both sides and created more hostility and aggression. More terrorism, more fundamentalists and more death on all sides.

Sad thing is it never improves things for every day people who fight on either side. Nothing changes for the grunts in the trench. Rich influential political types though.. they reap the rewards. Why do you think they're so eager to start so many conflicts after 'The war to end all wars'? What an insult to the memory of those who we pay our respects to every Remembrance Day "Cheers mate, for dying for nothing, you'll be pleased to know we're still falling for same old political bullshit - nothings changed".

*Ghengis turns his back on the thread*

I'm out.

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By *ultry SuccubusTV/TS
over a year ago

London

As my Prime Minister proposed in the UN many times but persistently ignored:

Criminalise War !!

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