Following the recent reports on the lack of equipment British troops have, it is evident that the British public are not at ease with the legacy of the war in Iraq nor the battle against the Taliban in Afghanistan. It is also clear that the British public are fed up with misbehaving politicians in our parliament. Due to this 'anger on two fronts', the media has managed to propel this negativity towards the British government in terms of pulling its policy in Afghanistan apart.
The stage we are now at in Afghanistan means NATO forces must see it to the end. In order for NATO forces to return home, the country must be fit to govern, the Afghan army must be fit for purpose and above all the people must be able to live safe lives. These are the clear benefits for Afghanistan that NATO can bring to the country. Leaving the country would prevent these three positives from taking their course and mean a return to Talibanesque laws and politics. Furthermore, if the Taliban were left to rule the country there would be enormous instability within the region. Not only would Pakistan be at increased vulnerability to the Taliban than it is now, but the spread of illegal drugs and weaponry would expand to a greater extent internationally.
Securing the legitimacy of the people is what the Afghan government backed by NATO must continue to do. The Karzai government obtained this backing in October 2004 and may well continue to do so at the next general election in August.
Now is not the time to fall weak at the knees but the time to remain determined and supportive.
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