THE Afghan National Army has taken over the security of its country in advance of the final departure of NATO forces who leave next year.
This 350,000-strong army will replace approximately 100,000 NATO troops from many countries.
Up to now, Afghanistan has cost Britain £37 billion – about £2,000 per household – not forgetting 444 soldiers killed and several thousand injured, some seriously.
America and other NATO members have had similar consequences.
Afghanistan cannot afford its army and has been funded and supplied mainly by the USA and Britain.
The Afghan national army in future will need funding of billions of dollars annually for an unknown period of time in the hope that the Taliban will be kept at bay, which is questionable.
What a terrible legacy has been created and left by the politicians who began the war in 2001.
J Beisly, Osprey Close, York.
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