Your comments: Three Bloody Summers

121 British military personnel have died in Afghanistan

Thank you for sending us your comments on Panorama: Three Bloody Summers

The debate is now closed but a selection of your views are published below.

Panorama: Three Bloody Summers was shown on BBC One at 8.30pm on Monday 3 November 2008.

Excellent programme. I am just back from six months in Kabul and it is good to see a debunking of the 'rose tinted spectacles / we will win' view that the military struggle with. Afghans in Kabul (at least the ones I spoke to) were unanimous that things for them today are worse than they were under the Russians. Does anyone dare to tell Bush this reality? (Although the journalist's reference to 'clearing the way through enemy compounds' might be seen by Afghans as 'blowing up civilians houses and farmsteads'?)
Guy

Afghanistan is just Northern Ireland all over again.. same old, same old.
Ray

Three Bloody Summers is exactly what it has been for British troops serving in Afghanistan where they were originally sent to hopefully bring and sustain peace to the area. Through no fault of their own, they have not been able to fully achieve this, and sadly have paid a high price for their efforts - having lost more than 120 of their colleagues. The war against the Taliban has to be won with what I fear will see the loss of more British lives. This sadly will be the sacrifice made by some for eventual victory. Our brave troops are facing constant danger in Afghanistan fighting the Taliban and should have the full support of the Government who must provide all the equipment they need to win this war. Our troops are, I think, doing a very good job under very difficult circumstances as we have seen in Alastair Leithead's film tonight. I would like to see more NATO countries playing their part as well as Britain and the United States in defeating the Taliban.
Steve Fuller

Exactly how many have been wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan since hostilities began? I ask this as an ex-soldier.
Tom Barr

Thank you for this very informative programme. It really does make it clear that the only people who can help to change the situation in Afghanistan are the Afghan people themselves. The British soldiers have done their very best and should be highly praised for their efforts, bravery and sacrifices. I for one have nothing but the utmost respect for them. Perhaps it is now time to bring them home?
Debra

Just want to say thank you to the BBC for showing that the troops are making a difference to the Afghanis.
Christopher Maclennan

Well presented. Its conclusion is not encouraging and begs questions such as how to more successfully engage diplomatically with Taliban and Tribal leaders, make Pakistan close its porous border, rid the Kabul government of its corruption, move from poppy harvest to food harvests. Without progress on above, are we not risking our service peoples' lives unjustifiably?
Thomas D Lind

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