Posted at 12/01/2007 04:29PM - cockey
Sean Langan is without doubt one of a few documentary makers who can bring to the audience an unparalleled view from all sides. His un-biased and modest approach endears him to all sides allowing him access to what would be for most the inaccessible. What Dispatches has brought home over the past two programs is the utter futility of fighting a war in Afghanistan against such a tenacious opposition. The Taliban cannot be defeated in Afghanistan/Pakistan that is fact. Conventional tactics do not and will not work in this theatre of war; it will take a lateral thinking approach to defeat the Taliban! How our troops cope considering the lack of support provided is admirable, it is little wonder they are so frustrated.
Posted at 12/01/2007 01:36PM - Aldila
What incredible bravery shown by Sean Langan and his team, to bring us back such an interesting piece. Although I have never served in the Armed Forces, I cannot believe the stupidity of the MOD in placing our brave men and women on the front line, without the necessary equipment to survive and do the job that they were sent to do. It is then compounded by our Goverment renewing Trident at a cost of many millions. Surely, this money is better spent on tradional equipment.
Posted at 09/01/2007 11:55AM - hayley2937
I'm not at all up on the situation in Afghanistan, but the Dispatches programme last night really affected me. I felt so sorry for those who are fighting there, especially when, at the end of the film we discovered that the town of Garmser was lost after six days of fighting, due to Afghan troops not staying to man the town. My heart goes out to the British men and women out there, I could have cried for them last night.
Posted at 09/01/2007 07:31AM - SMPoulter
An excellent documentary. Goes to show the bravery of the troops on the ground, (both Afghan Army, Police and British Services) versus the incredible paucity of support available to them. If 17 soldiers and 5 land rovers represent the tip of the spear, backed up by 8 Estonian Medics, with the odd chinook helicopter (only 8 in the whole country!) and thankfully a lot of US air support then we really are kidding ourselves. If the town was that important, why so few assets. We need more of everything.
Posted at 08/01/2007 11:41PM - Pittam
Sean Langan is the best reporter bar none. I've never seen one of his programmes that was less than riveting. If he is prepared to risk his life reporting to us about our soldiers risking their lives to protect us, could you lay off running trailers for Big Brother during the show. You know, show a sense of priority, or respect?
Posted at 08/01/2007 11:25PM - garyansell
It's interesting to think that the whole of the UK Armed Services will fit in the new Wembley Stadium. Not a lot of people to defend our nation. With tonights very informative and accurate Dispatches program I fail to see how things are going to get better. Even with the Operation Allowance, this is only being granted to specific areas and not Operations, I spent four months in the desert at 140 degrees 19 hours per day. I've not even been paid for that yet. I came back July 06. Proud to serve?
Posted at 08/01/2007 10:40PM - PWT
A truly gripping programme. Sean Langan is to be congratulated on capturing this intensely fought action. He lets the soldiers tell their own stories and by remaining incredibly calm and composed doesn't over dramatise the remarkable week he spent with the Afghans and British soldiers. The Brits come across extremely well. Professional, brave and compassionate. As an ex-Soldier I was really pleased that this important story was brought to the public so well.
Posted at 08/01/2007 09:00PM - paulness
How appropriate that Dispatches was followed by Big Brother! Joe Civvie is more interested in watching a bunch of so-called celebrities than understanding what OUR soldiers are facing on a daily basis. How sad. A very powerful perspective on reality for the troops in Afghanistan - well done. As an ex-Army Officer - who left a year ago - I have some appreciation of the current challenges faced daily on Ops and am constantly disgusted at the lack of political support our soldiers receive.
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