HELICOPTERS used by British special forces to mentor their Afghan counterparts on anti-drugs operations have been grounded to save just £2m a year. The funding for the helicopters -- used by the Special Boat Service (SBS) and Afghan special forces for raids on drugs barons and Taliban insurgents -- was cut by the Foreign Office two months ago.
The decision came despite Gordon Brown's announcement that Britain's "exit strategy" rests on training Afghan forces to take over its role.
The Foreign Office refused to discuss the funding but privately officials confirmed the money was cut amid vain hopes that the Americans would foot the bill instead.
The mission, known as Operation Emperor, involved SBS commandos training the Afghan special narcotics force as well as mentoring them.
In June last year, it resulted in the seizure of 262 tons of cannabis in Kandahar province, the world's largest drugs haul.
Des Browne, the former defence secretary, told MPs in May 2007 that the operation was "highly effective" at detecting Taliban communications and supply routes from Pakistan.
"It was a highly successful mission and the Afghans were getting better every day," a special forces source said last week. "The paltry sums involved were getting a pretty valuable return."
#1 I guess we can fight the Taliban, or the drug growers, but not both. I don't think they are necessarily the same. If we fight the drug dealers their money goes to the Taliban for protection and spite. If we fight the Taliban, the money goes to the corrupt government, but at least they're the guys we are backing. And they don't often behead random foreigners or burn down girls' schools as a general policy -- as the Taliban do. Better to save the money, fight the Taliban, and let the drug trade take care of itself as it has for thousands of years.
Posted by Scooter McGruder 2009-11-29 01:30||
2009-11-29 01:30||
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#2 but privately officials confirmed the money was cut amid vain hopes that the Americans would foot the bill instead.
That might have worked under the previous administration, but they are seriously misreading the tea leaves to think this lot would respond as desired.
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