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June 9th, 2008

Afghanistan - noble cause of the 21st century?

Posted by: Avril Ormsby

afghanistan.jpgDefence Secretary Des Browne said the conflict in Afghanistan was the "noble cause of the 21st century" as he paid tribute to the 100 British soldiers who died serving in the country.

He said there was not one British serviceman or woman who questioned the rightness of the military operation despite lacklustre public support at home.

British forces were making progress against the Taliban, "transforming its heartland from an area of lawless oppression and terrorism to a place of democracy and development", he explained.

Progress was being made in education, medical care and road building, amid "some of the most challenging" circumstances.

During a century which is seeing war in Iraq, as well as the continued troubles in Darfur and the civil strife in Somalia, do you agree with Browne's statement?

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