If the media and the greens believe they know a better way to manage Australian peace in the country to which they owe their peace then they should spend some time up front as shock troops to the army.

Many soldiers especially elite troops make significant sacrifices- they sometimes find it difficult to function in normal society- they often leave the military with terrible injuries- with little support.

But there is a view that there needs to be rules in the conduct of war- and in the conduct of war in zones which contain civilian elements- this is a paradox.

Civilians are used by militant groups in sophisticated strategies.

A standard communist tactic is to create conflict between the military and the community. Do you think communist countries conduct themselves better than our elite forces?

The elite forces are not to blame for the deaths- we should admire them for their sacrifice.

If there were less people in the world there would be less problems.

11 People in Afghanistan died so that millions could read- I honour their sacrifice- hopefully I can make such a significant contribution in my life.

War is complicated- with complex alliances- even if...

"These suggested the slain were not "local Afghan people." This turned out to be nonsense: the dead were from Afghan tribes opposed to the Taliban."

Fog of war.

Most members of the public have little understanding of war- that's because our soldiers do such a good job- if we harm them we harm ourselves.

It looks like nine Australian soldiers have killed themselves because of the deaths of eleven "Afghani civilians". Very sad.

"Nine Australian soldiers kill themselves in three weeks"

http://www.the-sun.com/news/1844438/nine-australian-soldiers-kill-themselves-report-war-crimes-afghanistan/

Perhaps the author is partially responsible for the Australian Soldiers deaths.

We don't defeat the Taliban by becoming them! As for the 140 frontier wars. Can't take any responsibility for any of that, save acknowledge there was that war and there were atrocities. All before I was even a glint in my Fathers eye, let alone a tilt in his kilt.

Let's find those who were responsible (the British crown?) and make them pay, not the settler's Grandkids, for heaven's sake. And not because they've got (criminal offence) white skin!

But back to Afghanistan, those we send there to kill in our name, need to be better prepared, better led and better psychologically profiled! [Those that grew up killing birds and other harmless creatures for the thrill of the kill with slug guns/22s and saw it as normalised behaviour, ought not go!] And better rested between tours of duty! Too much of this action also normalises it?
Alan B.

Yes Canem, that's spot on mate! They're too small in critical numbers and therefore used far too often and far too regularly.

The Taliban slip in and out from nearby Pakistan. (Their traditional winter hideout?) And cross the border with impunity every spring thaw to begin where they left off. And again as the winter chill begins.

We need to be able to track them to their winter hideout and kill them there! And as they come and go across that porous border! And take out a few high ranking Pakistani Generals who we know are complicit!

We also need to keep destroying the poppy crops that fund the Taliban campaign, as their sole source of funding!! And given the bulk of that could be accomplished remotely! That's how it should be done!

And also ensure the farmers earn more growing spuds or some such instead!

We would be better served as stationary farmer security, all the way to market, to deprive the Taliban any opportunity to compel the Farmers to comply with them! Or provide funding! And we need to keep killing them in their homes Even if that means deploying tactical nuclear weapons, until they get the message or go the way of the Dodo!

If they are forced to confront that unwavering implacable resolve and escalation?

They may have to consider another more peaceful way? The only real option! Us walking away after that much sacrifice and expenditure is not and never ought be an option we could consider!
Alan B.

Isn't it funny how the do-gooders whine & bitch when a country is in turmoil & the West "isn't doing anything" yet when the West sends in forces who have tio fight fire with fire then those same do-gooders whine & bitch about "bad conduct" !
I say let's send all those who are against a National Service & any kind of discipline that keeps us safe here, to those countries to sort out their mess !