Listen to this interview.
[In contrast to the Russians ...] "We thought because we had good intentions, and if we treated people nicely, we could succeed. After 10-11 years and so many civilian casualties, most accidental -- there's only so many times you can say 'sorry we killed your family, but we're here to help you'. We've passed that point a long time ago ..."
Journalist and documentary-maker Ben Anderson discusses the war in Afghanistan, and his experience reporting on front lines in Helmand province. His book No Worse Enemy: The Inside Story of the Chaotic Struggle for Afghanistan is based on five years of unrivalled access to the US Marines and UK Forces, often for months at a time and amidst the worst violence the conflict has seen. It details the daily struggles facing U.S. troops in Afghanistan, and raises urgent questions about our strategies in there.
There have been a few films on this unmitigated fiasco. One called Here and Now by Michael Sheridan and a film called Restrepo by Sebastian Junger and Tim Hetherington. Add your linked film into the stew and you have got a very volatile witches brew concoction of a lost, misguided, and very expensive clusterphuck misadventure.
ReplyDeleteWhat's supposed to happen, at the end of a quest? Cheers and accolades,
ReplyDeleteJosh knew; people throw their hats in the air, and you glow with pride
as they lift you to their shoulders. What else? Medals, speeches and a
great feast, and then a ballad about your exploits, and finally, as the
fireworks go off overhead, a soft, clean, fresh bed.