I think you have moved this to the wrong section Caihelm, I don't think you understand what it's intention is.
I've got a bugbear that's needing airing so here goes!
I'm not a huge supporter of the politicians & men in power who have got us involved in these interminable conflicts in Afghanistan & Iraq, but I do think in general we have helped the majority of the people in those countries.
However, what I find totally reprehensible (sorry for the big words Skittles - use a dictionary!) is the way that the basic military are being shunned & reviled by the general public.
This is not a situation of their creation & whilst I'm sure there are some idiots who have behaved foolishly & even criminally/ cruelly over there, I think the majority see their role as liberating & helping the local people achieve a better life with more democracy & freedom to express their own beliefs/ lifestyles without fear of repression or oppression (not sure myself which is the correct term there).
I firmly believe the soldier at the field level should get all our support, but we should continue to criticise & lambast the politicians for a change to resolve this ongoing mess!
Now I'll get off "The Soap Box" & let someone else have a go!