When the PM makes his long awaited address later today about our strategy in Afghanistan there are two things I’d like to hear him say, but am sure he won’t mention.
Image by Lyalka via Flickr
First: he needs to make it absolutely clear what our Foreign Policy objectives are as the military mission is then deduced from these objectives.
At the moment he focuses on fighting the war on terrorism and making the streets of Britain safer, but terror is an abstract concept that people find hard to grasp. Moreover, the history of Afghan/Pakistan territory as a terrorist seed-bed is one of cross border activity, but there is little evidence of cross border operations. In fact the British efforts in Helmand are fighting South to North, that is, away from the border.
For as long as he talks in abstract he will fail to win over the doubters in this country who see no reason for the war or our continued presence in Afghanistan. There is also an issue of faith here as it appears that people instantly distrust PM statements irrespective if the subject matter.
Second: he needs to admit that it is time for a truly joined up approach under a single command where Britain is prepared to be sub-ordinate to that command. When he announces Britain’s position as being subordinate militarily to America, because only America can lead this operation, he should also then declare an end to his own strategy statements, for strategy will then be determined elsewhere.
Sadly of course he will say none of these things. As the election gets closer, so the noises of public opinion get louder and so the desire to be a centre-stage leader gets stronger. And the need for truth evaporates.
But our strategy in Afghanistan is failing. Sure, we are winning the battles and indeed can only expect to gain a military victory. But military victories do not deliver political success every time. All they do is buy time for politicians to plan the next steps.
And for as long as we do not have a clear Foreign Policy that is being supported by military activity, then we will not be on a road to success.
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