Afghan Insurgents Attack French 50 Kilometers From Kabul
August 19, 2008, Matthew Good French forces in Afghanistan have suffered one of the biggest single day losses in the conflict’s history, losing ten soldiers and suffering 21 additional casualties in a single engagement. The soldiers were ambushed by insurgents a mere 50 kilometers from Kabul, solidifying concerns that insurgents are closing in on the capital.
France’s President, Nicolas Sarkozy, plans to travel to Afghanistan to reassure French forces, insisting that French participation in the mission will continue. Meanwhile, in France, two thirds of the population remains opposed to French involvement in Afghanistan.
From a Canadian perspective, given the size of Canada’s contingent as compared to those of other nations involved, Canada has suffered the highest mortality rate.
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And this on the anniversary of the Battle of Dieppe.
Sad.
Far too many dead soldiers.
After being through this for the last 6-7 years, you really start to get used to hearing these kind of things.It makes you wonder if it’s ever going to stop.
Again, violating one of Piereces rules I’ll defer to the post on the weekend. In comparison to commitment of troops sent ours is the greatest loss this year and to date - 15 in 2008 so far i believe.
The thing to take away a from this recent ambush is its in the often declared “safer” north, near Kabul. Remember in summer 2006 when all that was heard was about the huge blow to the Taliban after the Battle of Panjawi. (Well likely nobody remembers, because thanks to our mainstream news sources we all have the memories of fruit flies) but it was big news….
“Op BAZOOKA” (phonetically it makes sense)….Anybody?
Yeah that was a huge victory. Clearly.
Maybe Afghanistan needs one of Bush’s patented Surges?
It will get a patented Obama or McCain surge.
Obama and the democrats; especially Reed and Nancy “New Sherrif in Town” Pelosi have vowed to end US involvement and bring the boys home.
[quote comment="62506"]Obama and the democrats; especially Reed and Nancy “New Sherrif in Town” Pelosi have vowed to end US involvement and bring the boys home.[/quote]
Will be interesting to see what his talk vs action ratio is in comparison to Bush. Would love to see it happen but am not holding my breath as it isn’t as though it would be his sole decision and we don’t know how high or how many hoops Obama is prepared to jump through.
On top of all this, Sarkovy reitterated that France will be sending 700 more troops. Just the kind of loyal friend Bush likes.