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Soldiers

Gordon Brown Accelerates Exit Strategy from Afghanistan War

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Gordon Brown, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, today announced a shift in strategy for the Afghanistan war, paving the way for British troops to return home up to a year earlier than initially planned. The move is aimed at bringing security to the region and equipping Afghan soldiers to take on the Taliban. This decision comes as the bodies of two British soldiers killed in the conflict were flown back to the UK.

Key Takeaways:

  • The target to train 134,000 Afghan soldiers to take on the Taliban will be brought forward from the end of 2011 to the end of next year.
  • British forces will focus more on a "hearts and minds" strategy, as well as training Afghan soldiers, in an effort to be seen as "protectors" of ordinary families rather than "hostile hunters of the Taliban."
  • Spending per soldier has doubled since 2006, from £180,000 per year to £390,000.
  • The war has international backing, with 40 countries involved, although critics argue that only America and Britain are doing the hard fighting.
  • The Prime Minister believes that success in Afghanistan will be achieved when Afghan forces are able to take on the Taliban and British troops can safely return home.
  • An Afghan army of 200,000 troops is seen as necessary for a successful withdrawal.
  • The UK has already lost 212 troops in the conflict, and the casualty rate has led to growing public skepticism about the war.

Statistics:

  • 212 British troops have been killed in the Afghanistan conflict.
  • Spending per soldier has increased from £180,000 per year to £390,000 since 2006.
  • 40 countries are involved in the international effort in Afghanistan.
  • 134,000 Afghan soldiers are to be trained by the end of next year.
  • An Afghan army of 200,000 troops is reportedly needed for a successful withdrawal.
  • 240,000 well-trained Afghan troops could be available by the middle of 2011.

Sources:

  • "Byline: Joe Murphy Political Editor GORDON BROWN today accelerated his exit strategy from the Afghanistan war..." The Guardian.

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