The death toll of our young soldiers killed in Afghanistan has now risen to 184 and still the Government and their spin doctors continue to tell us that we are winning a worthwhile struggle. Let's examine the half truths and downright lies we are being told.

1) We are told that our troops are winning "hearts and minds".
Truth: You will never win H&M's with soldiers in combat gear patroling the streets carrying weapons.

2)We are not alone. Soldiers of over 40 nations are in Afghanistan.
Truth: That is rubbish ! They are playing the numbers game.
Apart from the USA most countries have very small numbers here
and all are kept well away from the deadly Helman province.

3) Thanks to our intervention some 5 million Afghan children
now go to primary school.
Truth : It is not the role of British troops to fight and die in order than a nations children many thousands of miles away can be educated.Many British children have and will lose their fathers in this quest

4) By defeating the Taliban we are making the streets of the
UK a safer place.
Truth: Al Qaeda are the problem and the vast majority of them
are in Pakistan. Should we invade there next ?

No doubt it would take great courage to announce a withdrawal. But in the name of God, do it and do it soon. The Duke of Wellington once said that the test of a "real" military leader was to know when to retreat and have the courage to do it.