Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Afghan War Could Last 40 Years: UK General

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 8, 2009 3:14 PM CDT

(Newser) – The Afghan war could last three to four decades, the new head of the British Army predicted today. “It will take time. This is nation building,” Sir David Richards said, “not the starry-eyed type, but nation-building nonetheless.” He allowed, however, that “the Army’s role might evolve” over the 30-40 years he expects the West's mission to last. "There is no absolutely no chance of NATO pulling out."

British troops go on patrol while clearing compounds during Operation Panther's Claw in Afghanistan's Helmand province, Monday July 13, 2009.
British troops go on patrol while clearing compounds during Operation Panther's Claw in Afghanistan's Helmand province, Monday July 13, 2009.   (AP Photo/Sergeant Dan Harmer, Royal Logistic Corps, MOD, ho)
Asoldier stands watch during Operation Panther's Claw in Afghanistan's Helmand province, Monday July 13, 2009.
Asoldier stands watch during Operation Panther's Claw in Afghanistan's Helmand province, Monday July 13, 2009.   (AP Photo/Sergeant Dan Harmer, Royal Logistic Corps, MOD, ho)
A soldier provides top cover from a Viking Armoured Vehicle during a Combat Logistic Patrol to resupply ground troops, during Operation Panther's Claw in Afghanistan's Helmand province, July 13, 2009.
A soldier provides top cover from a Viking Armoured Vehicle during a Combat Logistic Patrol to resupply ground troops, during Operation Panther's Claw in Afghanistan's Helmand province, July 13, 2009.   (AP Photo/Sergeant Dan Harmer, Royal Logistic Corps, MOD, ho)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 9 comments
wwwonderer
Aug 10, 2009 6:32 AM CDT
@Rocket. Money for the military takes TAX DOLLARS in a non-capitalist, anti-free market way. Money for health care, currently takes PRIVATE/PERSONALHow many companies are COMPETING to build a jet fighter? it seems most large defense contractors, prototype something and the Military says we'll take 20, THEN they start building.
jagerhans
Aug 9, 2009 10:34 AM CDT
no one is frightened of being ruled by people who plan to give us decades or centuries of war without even taking into account the fact that people can change his mind over the war? and all this just to protect the interests of the rich ? i am sure that everyone can distinctly smell the stink of utter military craziness backed by corrupt politicians and vulture businessmen ?
cognitivefilter
Aug 9, 2009 2:54 AM CDT
there's an afghan war? when did this start? the US should be installing their trans-middle eastern pipeline within the next 40 years as well. USELESS wars, i'm tired of it. bring the kids home, they're not all right!!

More Newser Stories

US, Afghanistan, Taliban: Secret Talks Under Way

Sean Penn, Brits Bicker Over Falklands

Radical Cleric Abu Qatada Freed From UK Prison

Woman Eats Only Pizza for 31 Years

Bin Laden 'Right-Hand Man' Set for Release in Britain


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne