When one is in the mil, one must absolutely not express public doubts about ongoing operations as to do so would undermine military resolve. It would also be contrary to good order and discipline. If Commanders order you to do something, you shut up and get on with doing what you've been trained for. That's the facts, Jack!
But having retired, one is not in quite the same position. Hitler lost the Battle of Britain by switching to bombing cities after a crew jettisoned their bombs on London in error, so I've never been particularly convinced about why Harris sacrificed so many very brave aircrew, aircraft and resources in bombing German cities to the extent that he did (unless they had specific military or industrial targets). Personally I wasn't totally convinced that Mad George had a clear and legitimate reason for invading Iraq. Other than deposing that sonofab*tch Saddam, of course. But if that alone was a legitimate reason for war, why aren't we currently kicking Mugabe's sorry ar$e half way across Africa??