A Thought For The Troops - A Moment For An Amoral Tribute
I write this genuinely moved. I’ve had the privilege of watching a remarkable documentary by actor turned journalist Ross Kemp, as he follows Britain’s Royal Anglians through Afghanistan.
Surprisingly, while I didn’t come away with a different point of view, a large portion of cloudy grey area has cleared up within the confines of my skull.
The episode I saw shows the stark and bitter reality faced by all factions and creeds operating in the war. No water, 50 degree centigrade infernos, waking to a mouthful of dust. The scenery juxtaposition of the quasi-peaceful timelessness of the rocky Afghan mountain sides, with the intensely war torn townscapes. This of course, only the backdrop.
With the British soldiers forting up in the center of town, and the Taliban darting through rat-runs to and fro in the “green zone” (a highly camouflaged oasis of green trees and foliage), the civilians cannot work on their fields or live without fear for their lives.
The situation revealed is one of amorality. Morals and norms lose all meaning. There is only the mission at hand, and the men around you. The larger picture lost, devoid of meaning.
Without going into too much detail, as I hope you’ll do yourselves the favor of watching this amazing documentary, allow me to say that while I campaign for withdrawal, it does not signify my disdain for troops. My watery eyes at the end of the show attest to this. I simply believe that the only way we can help “them” is by removing them from harms way.
Of course, this could mean a Taliban reprisal. But honestly, I’ll argue that some other time, it is not the object of this post.
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