Freedom does not come free - the cost of democracy for the world is victory in a vicious war against a dangerous foe. Poor tactics, insufficient and incorrect equipment coupled to a lack of direction makes this a conflict with no end in sight. The hideous truth is that there are UK children not yet born who will die and be maimed in Afghanistan as young soldiers in our army. The least we owe them is the provision of sufficient and appropriate equipment to do the job.
Those who say we should leave are failing to see that 90% of the West's heroin supply comes from Afghanistan, not to mention the virtual guarantee of a return to a terrorist training camp on vast scale. We need to recognise that this is going to run and run - we simply have to win here. There is, alas, no shortage of Muslim young men desperate to depart to a better life beyond the grave - their future guaranteed through taking infidels with them in the Jihad of the day. Not all Muslims hold that view, but enough do to guarantee a generation of future conflict. My heart goes out to the grieving families of our fallen and maimed servicemen. And yet, not to fight would only destory our whole future.