I hope Willie Apiata doesn't follow the internet when he's off duty. Because John Minto has written an open letter to him. You can read it here, if you have the patience or tolerance to read a missive by the predicable Minto.
Minto would have us just up and leave Afghanistan. It's fairly clear what would happen if the US and other countries withdrew military support for the current regime, however corrupt and unpleasant it may be. The Taliban would probably take power, slaughter its enemies, enslave the women and welcome al Qaeda back with open arms. Would the world be a safer, happier place? I very much doubt it.
Minto forgets that people like Willie Apiata put themselves in harm's way to protect us. Not all of the foreign wars we have fought have been just ones, but it's hard to think what real choice we have but to help our allies in Afghanistan. We just can't afford to lose this one.
A strain of militant Islam exists that is ruthless, unreasoning and antithetical to the way of life of almost all civilised people - regardless of their religion or race. It thrives in the border regions of Afghanistan and Pakistan. Our defeat in Afghanistan would only strengthen and embolden those militants. The terror attacks in the US, Spain, UK and Bali prove this is not just an Afghan affair. We are all threatened by this brand of militant Islam.
People like Willie Apiata put their lives at risk so fools like John Minto can exercise freedom of speech.
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