A word…

Published: 16 April, 2010

• Why has there so far been in the electoral campaign no mention of the “A” word – Afghanistan? 
Besides all its death and destruction, the war is expensive/.
This year our government will spend some £3.8billion on it.
If we withdrew our forces from Afghanistan we could use the enormous savings (which used to be called the peace dividend) to improve our public services and/ or reduce our national debt. 
Alternatively we could use that extra money to strengthen our armed forces in preparation for our future wars. Our armed forces would then include many men and women who will be killed if they continue to fight in Afghanistan now.
On the other hand perhaps the occupation of Afghanistan is so worthy and useful that we should actually spend more on it. Or perhaps we have to stay in Afghanistan until the USA permits us to leave.
In any case the current silence about Afghanistan is eerie. 
We should ask all candidates their views.
OBERT ILSON
Address supplied