Just pointing out how absurd Des' explanation sounds - that the UK forces are a victim of their own success rather than any faulty pre-op planning. Like who would have thunk the taleban would resent the intrusion into their backyard and who would have thunk the para's would respond the way they have.
Didn't most commentators and the HCDC predict exactly that and fault the original force structure accordingly?
Being a cynical old fart, excuse me for suspecting the planning was based on what could be done for the money rather than what's needed to do the job. Folks can warble on as much as they like about prudent budgeting but that's not the best recipe for success in any project.
PS thanks for the offer, mine's a mai tai.