Brigadier Mark Carleton-Smith, who said in a newspaper that the war against the Taliban could not be won (Photo: EPA, photo taken from the Telegraph)America's Defence Secretary Robert Gates Accuses British Officials Of 'Defeatism' -- The Daily Telegraph
America's Defence Secretary Robert Gates has accused the British ambassador and top military commander in Afghanistan of being "defeatist" for saying the Taliban could not be beaten.
"While we face significant challenges in Afghanistan, there certainly is no reason to be defeatist or to underestimate the opportunities to be successful in the long run," Mr Gates said on board a military aircraft flying to Europe for Nato meetings.
He was speaking in reaction to comments from Brigadier Mark Carleton-Smith, who said in a newspaper that the war against the Taliban could not be won, and the ambassador, Sherard Cowper-Coles, who said an "acceptable dictator" would be the best political solution for Afghanistan.
Mr Gates, who oversaw the improvement in the war in Iraq, said the coalition would have to negotiate with more moderate Taliban members who were willing to work with the central Afghan government.
"Part of the solution is strengthening the Afghan security forces," he said. "Part of the solution is reconciliation with people who are willing to work with the Afghan government."
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My Comment: If Brigadier Mark Carleton-S
He was speaking in reaction to comments from Brigadier Mark Carleton-Smith, who said in a newspaper that the war against the Taliban could not be won, and the ambassador, Sherard Cowper-Coles, who said an "acceptable dictator" would be the best political solution for Afghanistan.
Mr Gates, who oversaw the improvement in the war in Iraq, said the coalition would have to negotiate with more moderate Taliban members who were willing to work with the central Afghan government.
"Part of the solution is strengthening the Afghan security forces," he said. "Part of the solution is reconciliation with people who are willing to work with the Afghan government."
Read more ....
My Comment: If Brigadier Mark Carleton-Smith was on the shores of Dunkirk in World War II, he would be publicly stating that the Nazis had won the war, and that England had no chance to win.
The British General's remarks will only embolden the Taliban even more. His doubts should have been expressed privately to his political superiors .... it is their job to make public policy .... not his.
Mr Gates, who oversaw the improvement in the war in Iraq, said the coalition would have to negotiate with more moderate Taliban members who were willing to work with the central Afghan government.
"Part of the solution is strengthening the Afghan security forces," he said. "Part of the solution is reconciliation with people who are willing to work with the Afghan government."
Read more ....
My Comment: If Brigadier Mark Carleton-Smith was on the shores of Dunkirk in World War II, he would be publicly stating that the Nazis had won the war, and that England had no chance to win.
The British General's remarks will only embolden the Taliban even more. His doubts should have been expressed privately to his political superiors .... it is their job to make public policy .... not his.