Afghanistan strategy re-articulated by PM

by Anthony Painter / @anthonypainter

Gordon Brown has given a significant speech this afternoon following his own visit to Afghanistan last week and, of course, the resignation of Parliamentary Private Secretary, Eric Joyce MP, last night.

It re-makes the case for continued British involvement in Afghanistan and unapologetically restates the logic of intervention in terms of protecting the UK from further terrorist attacks.

The speech concluded:

“These are aims that are clear and justified – and also realistic and achievable. It remains my judgement that a safer Britain requires a safer Afghanistan and in Afghanistan last week, I was further convinced that, despite the challenges we face, a nation emerging from three decades of violence can be healed and strengthened; and that our country and the whole world can be safer; because together we have the values, the strategy and the resolve to complete our vital task.”

He gave a few hints on the conclusions of reviews by General McChrystal (whom he met in Afghanistan and McChrsyal’s review has been seen by NATO leaders) and Ambassador Eikenberry:

“As the reviews of General McChrystal and Ambassador Eikenberry will make clear: to reach the point where international forces can return home, we must place a greater emphasis on building up the Afghan army and police; on unity of effort across international and Afghan authorities; and on focusing our resources – both military and civilian – in the areas where they matter most; and thus on securing the population.”

This debate will not go away- its complexity makes firm conclusions difficult to draw. However, what is clear is that the Prime Minister is determined to set the terms of the discussion in the coming months.

The full text of the speech is available here.